A project to bring Homes in Somerset’s first block of flats to Carbon Neutral status has now been completed.
The flagship works, at Dunwear House in Bridgwater, saw the installation of 297 solar panels, an upgrade of communal heating, with new radiators and a 26kw Air Source Heat Pump, the upgrade of insulation, and hopes to demonstrate an anticipated saving of around £291,000 over 25 years.
The project, led by Homes in Somerset’s Charlotte Collins and James Nagle, is the largest single solar install for contractor Exeter Projects, one of Bell Group’s Retrofit Branches.
The original goal to ensure Net Zero status for all dwellings has been surpassed thanks to a project extension which included upgrading the communal area. This will contribute to reducing energy bills, energy consumption and reaching Net Zero status (-0.4 tonnes of CO2 produced per year.)
The team delivering the project have demonstrated the highest level of co-operation, showing the strength of partnership between in-house staff and external contractors – Rand Associates, Bell Group, MD Group, and Ledgers Scaffolding.
A new Scooter-charging store was also provided by Bell Group through the social value provision of their contract.
James Nagle said: “Dunwear House has been a landmark retrofit project for Homes in Somerset and a fantastic example of what can be achieved through strong partnership working and a shared commitment to Net Zero. Through the installation of solar PV, upgraded insulation, communal heating improvements and an air source heat pump system, we have been able to significantly improve the building’s energy performance while creating long-term benefits for residents through reduced energy consumption and lower running costs.
“This project has gone beyond the original objectives, delivering wider sustainability improvements to communal areas and setting a strong benchmark for future retrofit schemes across Somerset. The collaboration between Homes in Somerset, Bell Group, Rand Associates, MD Group and Ledgers Scaffolding has been exceptional throughout, and the outcome reflects the dedication and professionalism of everyone involved.”
Bryn Posey, Technical Manager for Bell Group, said: “What Homes in Somerset has done for residents here won’t just benefit them for the next two years, but for the next 20. This is inter-generational and offers a system that can be expanded flexibly.”
Energy generation and consumption will now be monitored throughout the year, and lessons learnt exercises will take place between the team to find any areas of improvement, and this will provide a blueprint for other projects including the Homes in Somerset-managed Walter Barnett and Hilda Coles schemes.