Client: Wates Living Space / East Thames Housing Group

 Download PDF Document

Woodlands worked in 20 properties in Redbridge and with its project partners have refurbished them to high standards.

A number of different environmental specifications have been developed for these homes, aiming to refurbish them to improve their sustainability, in particular water and energy efficiency.

Before work started on these properties various tests were carried out including sound insulation tests, thermal imaging and air tightness tests to understand how each house was performing.

The homes have been refurbished to varying levels of sustainability and energy efficiency enabling before and after comparisons.

Once residents have moved in the properties will be tested for up to two years to gather information on how well the energy and water efficiency measures are working.

Residents will also be given guidance to help them live greener lifestyles.

Before works were undertaken:

• EPC Rating D SAP Score 62
• 100 mm Loft Insulation
• Original Mild Steel “crittall” type window
• Limited Biodiversity
• No Cavity insulation
• Low Water Efficiency
• Kitchen not to “Decent Homes” standard
• Poor Air Tightness
• High levels of heat loss, particularly through windows
• Typical energy bills would be around £ 730 per year

After works were undertaken:

• Epc Rating B Sap Score 86
• 250 mm Loft Insulation
• Double glazed windows
• Biodiversity Measures Including Bat box
• Cavity wall Insulation
• Water butt
• Improved Water Efficiency
• Decent Kitchen & Bathroom
• New Boiler
• Renewable energy from Photo Voltaic Cells
• Recycling facilities
• 64 % reduction in CO2 Emissions
• 23 % reduction from TER
• Archived equivalent reductions in carbon emissions to code for sustainable homes LEVEL 2
• Typical energy bills should be around £ 400 per year a 45 % improvement

Quality of materials and workmanship

The standard of good workmanship is absolutely the key to achieving the potential improvements that had been identified. By eliminating gaps. In between floorboards and skirting’s, fitting doors and windows correctly and ensuring all the gaps around waste pipes are completely sealed, homes stay warmer.

By selecting appropriate materials and finishes, which emit the least potentially noxious fumes, we improve indoor air quality and “liveability” of the homes.

All materials and finishes selected archived a “C” rating or better according to the BRE Green Gide for building materials, with the majority achieving A-rating.

Retro Fit Project Gallery