Cambridge City Council appointed Aran Insulation to provide Fabric Improvement across their portfolio.
Part of this programme included cavity wall remediation and ventilation works to 6 blocks of flats that were insulated in the late 1980s. The insulation had started to degrade, leaving voids and with residents experiencing damp, mould and condensation issues. All homes were assessed to PAS2035 with Retrofit Co-ordination assessments and ventilation works provided by Dwelling Doctors.
Further phases of works included the external wall insulation of 70 turn-of-the-century properties as well as fabric remediation works such as roofline extensions, replacement fascia and soffits and replacement canopies. 60 of these homes also received Solar PV, with a small number having insulated external door upgrades.
The project goals are to:
- Increase thermal efficiency
- Reduce condensation, mould and damp issues
- Improve ventilation
- Reduce the risk of fuel poverty
- Increase EPC ratings to C
The Challenge
With grant funding being used to support part of this programme of works, properties needed to be assessed to PAS2035, including air testing, and all residents needed to qualify with planning permission being sought where applicable. The engagement and administration for this project required careful management.
Locating and designing the ventilation systems for each individual unit and ensuring the different layouts and resident requirements were accounted for.
The Upgrades
- Cavity wall insulation
- Loft insulation
- External wall insulation
- Internal wall insulation
- Flat roof insulation
- Mechanical ventilation
- Passive ventilation
- Solar PV
The Results
130 homes received improved cavity wall insulation, passive ventilation and new mechanical ventilation to kitchens and bathrooms. 70 homes received external wall insulation, with some also having loft insulation, flat roof insulation and internal wall insulation installed. 60 homes also received Solar PV to support residents with their electricity costs
Residents in the first completed phase of properties are already beginning to see the benefits of a better insulated and ventilated home.
The programme to date has spent more than £2.5m, with grant funding being accessed to support the works, with more than three-quarters of the homes treated reaching an EPC rating of C.
What’s happening now?
This programme of improvements continues with Cambridge City Council’s successful SHDF Wave 2.1 project, which will provide more than 300 homes with external wall insulation.