Fortem are delivering a programme of planned works to social housing properties from a range of non-traditional housing styles for Hull City Council, this includes a combined External Wall Insulation (EWI) and new roof installation following their innovative approach to lowering fuel poverty, improving energy efficiency and supporting the decarbonisation agenda.

The programme started in 2015 and is due to finish in 2023, marking a total investment of over £50m through the Council’s Affordable Warmth Strategy.

A systematic project planned approach is being used to deliver improvements to over 2000 homes, meeting the twelve-week installation timeframes and adhering to all building regulations, resulting in an award-winning sustainable housing scheme.

The introduction of the new PAS 2035 code of practice from November 2021, has brought with it added complexity. In partnership with Hull City Council, we successfully re-designed our working processes and practices.

A partnership has been established with ECD Architects who provide PAS 2035 retrofitting assessor, designer and coordinator roles. Detailed retrofit plans created for all main architypes and sub-architypes and include a range of retrofit options and costings for the installation of renewable technologies and EWI to deliver ZERO carbon homes. A range of SAP ratings are produced to evidence results.

Grant Funding options are considered, and design innovations proposed to maximise draw down from funding streams. Hull City Council instruct retrofit option, decisions and budgets are drawn up and delivery plans formulated.

A retrofit survey plan is completed for all properties to deal with variants and individual property needs.

Careful sequencing of the works is designed, and plans created to leverage greatest advantage from enabling works. Resident engagement and communication plans set and the programme is readied for commencement.

Trustmark quality scheme requirements complied with for all completions and eligibility assessments to satisfy funding criteria are completed. A programme of monitoring is agreed and data produced.

RECOGNITION

2017 Energy Efficiency and Healthy Homes Regional Awards – Best Large Scale Project – Preston Road Regeneration Scheme

2019 Hull City Council has won the Best Social Housing Initiative award in the sought-after Municipal Journal Awards

2020 Hull City Council has won a prestigious housing award for its delivery of sustainable homes

Resident’s homes are now warmer, but also aesthetically transformed with modern smooth rendering, improving tenant wellbeing, health, estate management and creating a renewed sense of pride in their homes.