ENGIE, leading energy, services and regeneration specialist, has been appointed by housing association Optivo to deliver vital fire remediation work worth £120m.
Optivo have been proactively surveying and investigating the materials and workmanship of external wall systems to assess whether their blocks meet acceptable standards of safety in accordance with Governance advice. The partnership between Optivo and Engie means the process can now move forward to deliver the vital fire remediation works.
Both organisations will work closely with residents to provide comprehensive remediation solutions. The specialist works will include the removal and replacement of combustible materials to external wall systems, including cavity barriers; the removal and replacement of any non-compliant spandrel panels and balconies.
ENGIE has confirmed energy efficiency will play an integral part of the planning and design. It also plans to access funding and work with residents and Optivo to deliver these technologies and reduce the risk of fuel poverty for residents.
The contract, which starts this month, will see ENGIE embark on several months of extensive investigation and design work across various buildings. The programme will be delivered over seven years, with work on site due to begin this summer.
Dan Germann, Regional Managing Director for ENGIE’s Places & Communities division, said: “Optivo has a very clear directive and the significance of this work isn’t lost on anybody. We have the experience, technology, skills and systems in place to work within the golden thread framework — which was a requisite of the delivery — but we are also perfectly placed to bring net zero solutions to the table; ensuring these homes are not only safe, but efficient.”
Heather Langridge, Director of Asset Compliance at Optivo, commented: “We want to make sure our residents are safe in the building they live in. It’s why we’re continuing to do everything we can to comply with all the Government guidance and regulations to ensure all our buildings meet the required standards. We welcome this partnership which means we can now start to deliver these vital fire remediation works.”
ENGIE has promised a recruitment drive to provide jobs and opportunities for local people and suppliers during the seven year delivery. The organisation will also offer eight apprenticeships per year.
