External Upgrades to 960 High Rise Flats

In 2020, Citizen Housing appointed SBS to deliver an energy efficiency scheme in Coventry. The works were intended to improve the energy efficiency and other improvements of 118 occupied homes. An additional element would include re-roofing certain properties and their outbuildings.

An early challenge was the pandemic; to ensure the safety of residents and staff whilst also avoiding unnecessary delays. This was achieved through the rigorous adoption of new procedures and policies, backed by ongoing training, staff inductions and weekly safety inspections by site managers.

This was supported by the creation of sanitising stations outside the properties, where operatives arriving on site could sterilise their hands and put on masks, gloves and (for interior works) protective overshoes. With these measures established and strictly observed, work progressed to plan, with occasional changes requested by the client.

One important development was a plan to retrofit multiple energy efficiency measures to the one vacant property encompassed by the scheme. Citizen wanted to evaluate the costs and viability of creating a net-zero property and this provided the perfect opportunity.

SBS therefore worked with the client to agree an action plan that covered a wide array of measures. Besides the energy efficiency improvements, these included fitting a new kitchen and bathroom so as to make the property fully tenant-ready upon completion.

SBS completed the entire scheme in 2021, having maintained an excellent record on both safety and quality. All properties were handed over with zero defects.

This included the demonstrator property which came complete with new internal and external wall insulation, and new insulation to its floor, loft and flat roof areas.

It also benefited from a new heating and ventilation system and replacement windows and doors. Like the other properties, it also featured a smart thermostat system.

Looking forward, the client will measure the demonstrator property’s energy data in order to evaluate the ongoing impacts of the various measures.