whg and AgilityEco win 100k award from national grid award scheme

03/02/2015

The National Grid’s Energy Efficiency Award Scheme has announced that affordable housing provider whg and AgilityEco, specialists in energy efficiency and low-carbon solutions, have been awarded £100,000 to deliver an innovative and sustainable energy efficiency programme in Walsall.

whg and AgilityEco will use the prize fund to deliver Project WARM (Walsall Advanced Retrofit Monitoring), a new model for energy efficiency retrofitting in tower block dwellings.

Four tower blocks in Walsall (252 dwellings) are scheduled to undergo a major retrofit programme, installing a range of energy efficiency measures with the aim of alleviating high levels of fuel poverty. Most energy efficiency interventions to multiple occupancy buildings are carried out with limited knowledge of existing energy use patterns. The £100,000 National Grid Award will be used to begin an energy monitoring programme within these blocks prior to retrofit.  This project will:

  • create a platform for a  resident engagement and education programme on energy and associated health issues, with support from Birmingham City University
  • use state-of-the-art monitoring equipment to provide data on exact energy use patterns and environmental factors to ensure the retrofit is undertaken in the most cost effective manner and without unintended consequences
  • provide accurate information on resident energy consumption to enable structured heating tariffs, ensuring residents are permanently lifted out of fuel poverty.

The ambitious retrofit programme will see the installation of an advanced wet thermostatically controlled heating system; full external wall insulation of the four blocks and installation of LED smart communal lighting to all floors and communal areas. In-home displays will also be installed in each property.

This award-winning project will deliver a significant and permanent reduction in fuel bills, health benefits and a greater understanding about how energy consumption is driven by everyday behaviours.  Residents will see a marked reduction in energy bills (an average benefit of £800 pa) as well as an improvement in home comfort through affordability and control.

Service charges are reduced from the effect of communal electricity from LED/VO. In addition, there is a significant environmental benefit through reduced carbon emissions, estimated at 35,000-45,000tCO2 lifetime.

Gearóid Lane, CEO of AgilityEco said:
“Project WARM presents a fresh approach for retrofit programmes to multiple occupancy buildings. whg has worked hard to ensure that the proposed energy efficiency measures will deliver tangible benefits to the low-income households in the tower blocks. Once again, we’ve shown that AgilityEco can help organisations like whg to unlock and access different – and often unconventional - funding options. We’re gratified that the project has been recognised by National Grid and National Energy Action and that we’re now able to use the award to ensure whg’s residents are permanently lifted out of fuel poverty. We hope other social landlords and housing associations across the UK will follow suit.”

Cliff Horrocks, Corporate Director – Asset Management, whg said:
“We have a substantial track record of pioneering energy projects, and we are thrilled that Project WARM has won this significant award. It’s a truly ground-breaking scheme which housing associations around the UK could, and should, replicate. We’re saving residents’ money, reducing carbon emissions and helping people out of fuel poverty, which is a huge achievement for Walsall. Project WARM’s success reinforces our belief that tower block retrofits should be made a priority on the government’s housing agenda.”

Jeremy Nesbitt, Managing Director of National Grid Affordable Warmth Solutions, said: 
“National Grid is committed to providing sustainable, innovative and affordable energy and we recognise that investing in energy efficiency brings multiple benefits to communities and householders. We know that some of the best ideas come from within communities and that funding and technical expertise is often the major obstacle to them coming to fruition.  I’m delighted that we are able to provide the financial support that allows AgilityEco to provide their technical and commercial know-how to deliver innovative, cost effective energy saving projects.”