Multi-Measure SHDF Wave 2 Scheme
Client: Grand Union Housing Group
Measures: EWI, Solar PV, Air Source Heat Pumps, CWI, Loft Insulation
Location: Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire and Hertfordshire
Date: April 2023 - Current
Value: £1.6m to date
The Challenge
Cornerstone is currently in the second year of SHDF wave 2.1 delivery for Grand Union Housing Group, having installed more than 120 complex energy efficiency measures in the financial year 2023/24.
We were appointed by Grand Union as their sole retrofit contractor in 2023, having supported them and their consortium lead Central Bedfordshire Council in developing a robust and competitive application for SHDF wave 2.1 funds. This included contributing detailed costs and operational detail that gave DESNZ confidence in the proposal and certainty of delivery for Grand Union.
The application was successful, with Grand Union securing funding towards 246 measures, including solar PV, air source heat pumps, EWI and other insulation measures.
Cornerstone’s involvement in the design of the scheme and early appointment meant we were well prepared to commence delivery on time and maintain compliance with our programme of works.
Our Solution
Cornerstone provides an end-to-end service to Grand Union, from retrofit assessment and coordination to installation and lodgement, as well as fully supporting the complex reporting process.
Our technical knowledge and direct delivery of many of the measures involved has meant that we have been able to flexibly deploy our resources and quickly overcome technical challenges. We have also worked collaboratively with Grand Union to prioritise properties with longstanding issues and/or with particularly vulnerable tenants, clearing a backlog of work orders and helping numerous tenants to reduce their energy bills during a cost of living crisis.
The Result
Cornerstone achieved in full the target of 98 properties retrofitted by the end of March 2024 – representing 40% of the total scheme delivery, as per DESNZ requirements.
We are currently on track to complete the remaining 60% of the scheme by March 2025.
Resident feedback has included: “The work was very good and the workmen tidied up afterwards and explained things to me.”
“The workers were gentle, polite efficient guys and helped put the large furniture back – I couldn’t praise them enough. They were very good with my cat that was frightened by the work”
“Grand Union Housing Group have been working closely with Cornerstone for the past 12 months. We have found them to be very professional and open in that period. From regular contract meetings to on-site progress meetings, we have found both the administrative side and the on-site delivery to be very professional. We have found working in a collaborative and transparent way has helped the smooth running of this contract. There is a good relationship between the two organisations which continues to be based on good communication and trust. We look forward to continuing the good work and delivery of the contract to the customers of Grand Union Housing Group.”
– Dean Babbington, Retrofit Contracts Manager, Grand Union Housing Group
