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the site ’ s only panelised block , consisting of 20 homes in a fully insulated closed panelised system , with windows and doors fitted offsite . It also includes the retrofitting of two blocks of flats and six new volumetric homes .
The project is funded by the Innovative Housing Programme ( IHP ) — a Welsh Government programme to encourage and test innovative approaches to constructing social and affordable housing in Wales . It will achieve carbon neutrality via a range of in-house green and sustainable initiatives , as well as the low carbon manufacture of the homes and the fuel-saving speed with which the buildings are being completed .
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The UK government ’ s commitment to reach Net Zero by 2050 is now firmly embedded in the public consciousness . A vital part of this is for all social housing in England , Wales and Northern Ireland to reach an Energy Performance Certificate ( EPC ) rating of C or above by 2030 . An important step in the decarbonisation of UK households , this mandate will ensure that domestic properties are both more energy efficient and also cheaper for tenants to run .
Latest government data shows that almost half of all homes in England have already achieved this goal , up from 14 per cent in 2010 . However , those responsible for social housing cannot rest on their laurels if they are to be fully compliant in six years ’ time . Reaching the 2030 EPC target will be no mean feat . Fitting a large portfolio of properties ( whether new-builds or existing stock ) with low-carbon technologies required to realise much improved EPC ratings is a significant infrastructural challenge that requires specific energy and utility engineering expertise .
At the forefront of assisting social landlords – and their partnering contractors – with this sustainability drive is SMS , a renowned multi-utility consultant recognised for its innovative energy solutions . Just ask Tai Tarian , one of the largest social landlords in Wales which is responsible for over 9,000 properties across the Neath Port Talbot County Borough .
The focal point of these efforts is the Sandfield Estate , a 3,000 home development within Tai Tarian ' s housing portfolio . Here , the objective is to integrate tech such as solar photovoltaic ( PV ) systems , battery storage , and electric vehicle ( EV ) charging points into new builds and existing dwellings across a phased , multi-year project . This strategic approach is not only aligned with Tai Tarian ' s sustainability goals but also with the broader national agenda set by the UK government .
The partnership between Tai Tarian , SMS , and the project ’ s principal contractor – Hale Construction – extends beyond mere implementation . SMS ' s involvement has encompassed comprehensive feasibility studies and meticulous procurement processes . Yet for SMS , the biggest challenge of this complex project was keeping the existing homes supplied with uninterrupted power , whilst at the same time upgrading and diverting the site ’ s utility infrastructure in order to support the installation works across both new builds and older properties . The logistics of this included identifying all diversions , disconnections , and new connections , applying for this work and then coordinating the installation alongside the build programme of the principal contractor . In addition , SMS oversaw the install of new substations to allow for the increased electrical demand of the new development , as well as the installation of EV charge points on the estate .
The success of this collaborative endeavour underscores the vital importance of utility consultants in supporting social landlords ' efforts to decarbonise their housing portfolios . As the social housing sector continues to evolve , public-private partnerships such as Tai Tarian , SMS , and Hale Construction showcase innovative solutions and pave the way for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future in housing provision . Through leveraging its multi-utility infrastructure expertise to efficiently integrate green technologies into the build , SMS has ensured this housing estate is not only well on its way towards meeting regulatory requirements but also contributing to a cleaner , greener future for its residents and the broader community .
Find out more at sms-plc . com www . constructionviewonline . co . uk