Programme and procurement
The work is scheduled to run for six months, according to Roofing Today. Gateshead Council used the NEPO233 Retrofit and Decarbonisation Works framework to procure the project. A council spokesperson said Esh Construction was the highest-ranked supplier following a competitive selection process.
The properties are spread across seven locations in the borough: Penrith Grove, Florence Avenue, Hillside Place, Kells Lane, Causeway, Malton Green and Carlisle Place. The council said the appointment took account of the funding programme’s requirements and the time available to complete the work.
Assessments and retrofit standards
Preparatory work has included retrofit assessments, revised Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings and technical surveys before design. These have been used to establish the proposed improvements for individual properties ahead of construction.
Esh has commissioned Storm Tempest to handle retrofit assessment, design and coordination for the programme. Its role includes ensuring that the measures meet the applicable PAS standards and retrofit requirements.
Lisa Stafford, Esh’s head of retrofit solutions, said the advance assessment and design work had allowed the team to develop proposals suited to each home. She said the combination of roof insulation, photovoltaic systems and ventilation measures was intended to limit heat loss and improve residents’ comfort.
Esh is a TrustMark-accredited contractor. Roofing Today reported that its supply chain complies with PAS 2030, PAS 2035 and MCS requirements.
Funding and energy targets
The contract sits within Wave 3 of the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund. It also forms part of Gateshead Council’s approach to improving its housing stock by prioritising the building fabric.
The wider Warmer Homes initiative was developed to improve conditions and energy performance in lower-income households. It follows earlier Home Upgrade Grant projects. When allocating funding, the government asked local authorities to give priority to households in more deprived areas.
The council said every property in this programme would reach at least EPC band C. Most had previously been rated D. Its spokesperson also said the improvements were intended to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.
During delivery, the council plans to continue working with Esh and its supply chain to check that the work meets the required retrofit standards. The spokesperson said this oversight was intended to secure benefits for residents beyond completion of the construction programme.