Residents in Croydon are set to reduce their carbon footprint and reduce their energy consumption thanks to high efficiency electric heaters.
The new, more eco-friendly heaters were installed into homes owned by Moat by property services business Liberty as part of the housing association’s retrofit programme.
After seeing the impact of rising fuel bills on their tenants, Moat commissioned Liberty to decommission inefficient storage heaters in a block of 33 flats in Croydon, London, and install new lower-carbon heating technology.
The landlord, who own and manage 21,000 homes across the South-East, took on Liberty to replace the existing heating with Dimplex Quantum HHR storage heaters. Proven to be 25% more efficient than traditional storage heaters, the new high efficiency models will also make residents’ flats more comfortable in the colder months and provide more consistent heat over the duration of the day due to their innovative features. In addition, 100amp isolators were installed in communal areas to keep staff and residents safe from any potential faults.
For any vulnerable tenants living in the residential block, adaptations were made to accommodate their needs and limit disruption to their day to day lives. Liberty’s on-site project team worked with the care team of a resident to ensure the works were not disruptive to them. The team implemented a tailored work plan that provided the resident with the considerations and support they needed.
Ben James, Sustainability Manager at Moat, said: “Sustainability and the wellbeing of our customers are directly linked, and we are committed to providing safe, affordable, and comfortable homes to our residents.
“The installation of the high efficiency electric heating systems at Regis Court will not only reduce our customers’ carbon footprints but will also give them the opportunity to reduce their fuel bills now and in the future.”
Richard Madigan, Head of Projects at Liberty, said: “Schemes like this one have the potential to make a really positive impact, as they tackle fuel poverty head on. At the same time, the increased efficiency of the new systems mean that they are actively contributing to decarbonisation.
“Everything we do is for the benefits of our clients and their tenants, so we are proud to be partnering with Moat to help future-proof their homes while helping tenants with their heating bills now.”
Liberty’s service delivery team also provided education and support such as engagement sessions, a full walkthrough of controls and laminated quick guides which were developed in conjunction with Dimplex.
“By involving tenants and giving them better understanding of the impact they can make, we can make even more of a difference,” continued Richard.
Liberty secured the contract with Moat via Fusion21’s Heating and Renewables Framework, through which Liberty has been providing right first-time heating repairs and maintenance services for over 15 years.
Chris McQuillan, Framework Manager, Building Safety & Compliance at Fusion21 commented: “Following a compliant direct award process, this project was successfully completed within a three-month period.
“At Fusion21, we pride ourselves on delivering social value you can see through every project. We’re delighted residents now have warmer homes and reduced energy bills, in addition to benefiting from visible social value through the creation of an apprenticeship and engaging with residents via a coffee morning to give out tips and advice on energy saving.”
Liberty are experts in the full range of property services; reactive and planned maintenance across all technical disciplines, refurbishments, mechanical and electrical projects, construction, and whole-home decarbonisation.