Equans selected for Midlands energy efficiency housing contract
Equans has secured a major contract with Platform Housing to improve the energy efficiency of over 500 homes across Lincolnshire and Leicestershire.
The project will significantly reduce the carbon emissions of Platform’s housing stock and help tackle fuel poverty, with residents’ energy bills set to fall as a result of the improvements.
Properties will be fitted with air source heat pumps and solar panels to provide a more energy efficient and less costly way to heat and power homes. New external wall, cavity and loft insulation will also be fitted – reducing heat loss and bringing homes up to an Energy Performance Certificate rating of C or above. Improved ventilation will also help air to circulate, reducing the likelihood of damp and mould occurring.
Based on a similar completed project, it is estimated that the improvements will make total carbon savings of 950 tonnes each year and that households will each save over £480 per year on their energy bills.
The scheme is part-funded by a grant from the Government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF), secured through a consortia bid led by the Midlands Net Zero Hub. The Hub works with public sector organisations and social landlords to develop and deliver decarbonisation projects.
Martin Ardron, Regional Operations Director at Equans UK & Ireland, said: “With the UK’s housing stock contributing so greatly to the country’s carbon emissions, it’s more important than ever that we come together to make homes warmer, cheaper to heat and more efficient. Reducing carbon emissions isn’t just about improving the environment – it’s also about improving lives. We’re delighted that we can help Platform in achieving its net zero goals, whilst also helping to reduce the risk of fuel poverty.”
Linda Colburn, Director of Assets at Platform Housing, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Equans as a key partner in delivering our retrofit programme. Adding Equans to our existing supply chain partners will ensure we deliver our planned sustainable upgrades to our homes, making them more affordable and comfortable for our customers.”
Michael Gallagher, Head of Midlands Net Zero Hub, said: “By working together as a larger consortium led by the Hub, organisations across the Midlands can share best practice and learn from other areas how best to deliver projects. This approach has allowed us to deliver retrofit projects at scale to support the net zero agenda, reduce instances of fuel poverty, and drive down costs to make energy efficiency improvements accessible to all.
“In a time where we’re seeing unprecedented energy bill costs for households across the country, this funding is vital for reducing the pressures on people’s finances by making long-term and fabric-first improvements to their homes.”
This project is part of Platform Housing’s commitment to achieve EPC C across its portfolio of 48,000 social rented homes by 2030 and be net zero carbon by 2050.
The scheme is due to be completed by September 2025.
About Equans
Equans is a subsidiary of the Bouygues group. In the UK & Ireland, Equans is a provider of sustainable facilities management and regeneration, and cutting-edge energy and digital services. Our 15,000 employees combine these activities to help businesses, communities, public sector organisations and government to embrace the energy transition towards net zero - and also the digital & industrial transitions that are together redesigning the way we move, work and live.
Globally, Equans is a world leader in the energy and services sector with operations in 20 countries, 90,000 employees working on 5 continents and combined proforma sales of 18.8 billion euros in 2023.
