The Group’s offsite manufacturing hub, LoCaL Homes, was
launched in 2011 and has delivered over 400 low carbon, high
performance homes for the Group. By manufacturing its own
stock and supplying it at cost, the Group deliverers a more cost
effective development product through innovative, efficient
production methods and removing profits and overheads
associated with an external procurement. As a result the Group
develops and delivers a better performing home (increased
thermal efficiency and improved sound insulation) than a brick
and block home for the same money, providing value for money
for Accord and customers living in these homes.
Accord’s offsite manufacturing method of delivering housing
sees high levels of quality control, as all processes are managed
and monitored and material waste levels are incredible low,
operating at less than 3% waste. Time onsite to erect these
homes is also significantly reduced as key processes, such as
window installation, are completed in the factory. These benefits
see cost and time savings when compared to brick and block
house building as well as significantly reduce the environmental
impact in construction by as much as 50%.
Accord’s timber frame homes are manufactured to ensure a
super-insulated product offering residents significantly reduced
fuel bills.
LoCaL Homes was initially set up to meet the Group’s
requirements for the supply of new homes, providing a high
quality housing solution and supporting the investment in
local people though upskilling and job opportunities. However
processes have become increasingly efficient, capacity has
increased and a market demand has grown following the
success of Accord’s own successes with the LoCaL Homes
products. This has seen a proactive approach to selling
homes Accord’s fully warranted housing solution to other
housing associations. This has generated a new income
stream and additional surpluses for the Group. It also allows
other Associations to benefit from the unique properties and
advantages of Local Homes.
Working alongside LoCaL Homes is Accord’s in-house
construction team which delivers a fully project managed
construction service for the supply of new homes. By managing
procurement, programming and site logistics, the in-house team
facilitate the development of homes and estates without the
cost uplift of working with a major development contractor.
Accord’s commitment to growing in-house construction and
manufacturing services has led to an average reduction in
development and regeneration costs of around 10% per
property. This will result in efficiencies of as much as £1m each
year for at least the next three years which will support the
delivery of an additional 30 new homes.
As well as building new homes more efficiently, the Group
is committed to improving the environmental performance
of its existing homes. Work is carried out in order to improve
thermal efficiency of the property exterior and install energy
efficient heating systems and solar panels for both electricity
and hot water supply. Accord’s retrofit programme delivers
improvements which prolong the economic life of the Group’s
properties. This ensures customers can live in high quality
homes for longer.
Financial Statements 2016
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