Bell Group has carried out a four phase decarbonisation retrofit project for Haford in Wales. LABM shares all the details.
Bell Group has undertaken an extensive retrofit and decarbonisation scheme for Hafod, a housing association in South Wales. As principal contractor, and working collaboratively with both the client and residents, Bell has installed insulation, solar PV panels and various other energy-efficient solutions to projects in Bridgend and Cardiff. The results have made a significant and positive impact; improving the EPC ratings and indoor air quality of all properties, as well as reducing residents’ energy bills.
Hafod is one of the leading providers of housing, care and support in South Wales. The mission-led, values-based, non-profit organisation aims to transform housing, health and social care, and undertakes works across eight local authority areas in Wales, helping over 16,000 people each year.
After an extensive procurement process, Bell was selected to undertake consultancy services and the installation of energy efficiency measures across 220 Hafod homes. Bell was tasked with ensuring the properties met EPC C/SAP 75 or higher, a target set by the new Welsh Housing Quality Standard. In addition, work had to take place with minimal disruption to tenants.
Data-led
With aims of enhancing energy efficiency and indoor air quality, the project was part-funded by the Welsh Government’s Optimised Retrofit Programme (ORP), which meant real-time environmental data was required.
To ensure a structured and data-led approach, Aico’s HomeLink monitoring systems were installed ahead of the retrofit, which allowed both Hafod and the residents to monitor the temperature, humidity and CO levels in the property. This data can then be used by the residents to help improve air quality and ventilation and by Hafod to identify properties in need of remedial works or where the homeowner is struggling to heat or cool their home.
The project began at Maes Gwair, Bridgend. Work was originally intended for 30 homes, but a measure modelling service confirmed that planned external wall insulation was not required. This freed up funding to support 59 homes, at a lower cost per property. Bell installed cavity wall insulation in eight of the homes, as well as solar PV panelling and loft insulation top-ups to each property along with ventilation strategies to reduce the risk of mould. As a result, the energy efficiency of all homes was improved and residents benefitted from lower energy bills.
Second phase
During the second phase, at Arcon House, a retirement scheme in Cardiff, Bell retrofitted a block of 19 flats, installing solar PV panelling to the properties. It was also crucial that the retirement properties remained accessible for all residents throughout the retrofit. As such, Bell worked diligently to complete the project as efficiently as possible, reducing the time spent on site and the volume of scaffolding on site to minimise the risk to vulnerable residents. In terms of overall results, Bell successfully lowered the property’s energy consumption from the National Grid.
Furthermore, community engagement is a high priority for Bell. Therefore, the teams took part in tenant consultation days, coffee mornings and sent letters to ensure that everyone remained well informed and there was constant and clear communication.
Proactive approach
“We have witnessed the exceptional performance of Bell Group. They are adaptable and have worked very well to provide the installation of solar PV panels and even better to deliver both retrofit consultancy and installation,” comments James Loy, Asset and Decarbonisation Manager at Hafod. “Bell takes a proactive approach, demonstrated by being the first to start, first to finish and hitting targets speaks volumes. Achieving two solar PV installations per day is a testament to their efficiency.
“Successful projects hinge on early adoption and understanding, and Bell excels here especially when working with our Decarbonisation Engagement Officer and Project Surveyors. Their regular updates and the proactive site visits, with door knocking, and direct tenant communication undertaken alongside our team have been invaluable.”
Lewis Frazer-Holland, Branch Manager at Bell’s Newport branch, which played a central role in delivering support across all phases of the project, also adds: “Hafod has been an amazing client to work with and we have established a great collaborative working relationship.”
James concludes: “We commend Bell Group for their outstanding work to date and look forward to continued success in our decarbonisation journey.”
For the final phases of the project, Bell retrofitted various properties in Bridgend and Cardiff in collaboration with Hafod, which were completed on time and within budget.
Partnerships, decarbonisation and social value
Craig Bell, CEO of Bell Group commented: “We’re really proud of our partnership with Hafod and everything we’ve achieved together so far. For us, retrofit and energy work isn’t just about technical improvements — it’s about making homes warmer, safer and more comfortable, delivered in line with PAS 2034 and best practice.
“We also believe decarbonisation and social value go hand in and. Supporting communities has always been at the heard of Bell Group, whether that’s helping people into work, inspiring young people, promoting inclusion or playing a part in regenerating neighbourhoods.”
Bell is one of the largest property service contractors in the UK to over 350,000 properties. The family-owned company provides a wide range of services and is a trusted name in retrofit and energy efficiency. As a PAS 2030 and Trustmark accredited contractor, all retrofit works meet the highest industry standards and the team works closely with the public sector to deliver decarbonisation measures.
Header image: Bell was selected to install energy efficiency measures including solar PV across 220 Hafod homes
