Equans is pleased to have recently completed work on a refurbishment scheme alongside Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH), making homes more sustainable while in-turn aiming to reduce energy consumption and help with fuel bills for residents in the area. The scheme has also recently been shortlisted for ‘Best Retrofit Initiative’ at the Northern Housing Awards 2022

The Buckley View scheme included retrofit works to a total of 23 bungalows. Work carried out includes replacing cavity wall and roof insulation, external wall insulation with a brick slip finish, upgraded ventilation, and new windows and doors. These improvements will improve the efficiency of the homes, aiming to improve thermal comfort, help with energy bills, and lower carbon emissions as a result.

This work, undertaken by Equans’ specialist refurbishment team in the North West, is in line with several projects which will help clients reduce their carbon emissions.

Equans is delighted to have supported RBH take a step towards their goal of carbon net-zero, while also aiming to save residents’ money in the meantime.

Neil Warburton, Refurbishment Director at Equans, said: “We’re delighted to have finished these crucial retrofit works, which will no doubt see an increase in energy efficiency and hopefully savings on fuel for residents as a result. The climate emergency is an ever-present issue, and Equans is pleased to be helping combat this through our fabric first approach.”

Commenting on the work undertaken, RBH tenant, Janine Haslam Ralph, said: “All involved have been very helpful, clean and courteous to us and our home. During the works I can honestly say that Tom and Darren from Equans have really supported my husband – who is autistic – and myself.”

Equans also spoke to Maud, aged 90, who lives in one of the bungalows. She said: “Equans have been brilliant with me, they’ve worked on my home with care and consideration and Tom and Darren (the site team) have both been absolute stars. I’ve lived in this very bungalow for 26 years, and it already feels warmer which will be a big help come the winter months.”

Equans and RBH also delivered added social value as part of the scheme, with two new apprentices hired along with seven who were retained as part of the scheme, with a total of 70% local labour employed during the contract.

Tina Iball, RBH Strategic Lead for Sustainability, said: “We are working hard to improve the quality, energy efficiency, and comfort of our homes and reducing our impact on the environment. This project makes a great contribution to playing our part to meet Greater Manchester’s carbon neutral targets by 2038.”