How to Stop Complexity Derailing Retrofit Delivery
Across the country, social housing providers are pondering the best way to organise energy efficiency and net zero retrofits to their stock. Retrofit is a huge undertaking. The contracting and management processes will have a huge impact on how well providers can control risks and ensure efficient delivery.
A good place to start is to review how property services are currently organised and the level of control and transparency this brings. Would the existing contracting model cope with the added pressures of a substantial new workstream? If, for example, you already find it difficult to track basic compliance and stock condition data it could be time for a rethink.
Retrofit comes alongside a raft of new compliance requirements including building safety, decent homes standards and proactive consumer regulation. Any cracks in the system may get much wider and rather soon.
The Retrofit Ecosystem
It’s helpful to take a look at some of the features of the retrofit market. As well as learning how to apply new technologies and methods, there’s a massive organisational task to ensure everything gets done on time and to the required standard.
There will be entrants to the market and many SME businesses will have to rapidly upscale. This is a good thing. The impact on local economies is one of the biggest potential benefits of a programme on this scale. It’s perfectly possible for this to happen without sacrificing control and accountability if the right foundations and governance are in place.
SME businesses will need help to develop their systems, processes and technology if they are to play a full part. There will also have to be plenty of due diligence to ensure compliance with financial, sustainability, ethical sourcing and safety requirements. Deciding who will carry out that task is an important early step.
Retrofit Runs on Data
Retrofit is as much an information management challenge as it is a logistical one. Similarly, the systems that provide the necessary transparency to stakeholders must be underpinned by a commitment to collaboration and a common data environment. Who will be responsible for designing and implementing these systems?
Programming will involve multiple suppliers and operations that have to be precisely coordinated to support efficient whole home approaches. Any dislocations in the process will lead to wasted effort and added disruption to residents.
Osborne has substantial experience of improving efficiency and transparency in delivering social housing property services. We also have established partnerships that bring together the key expertise and technologies needed to deliver large scale retrofit programmes.
For ideas about how to increase the rate of zero carbon retrofits visit our resource centre. Or contact Nick Davidge ([email protected]).
