Valleys to Coast housing association is leading on the development of an innovative pan-Wales procurement framework designed to deliver benefits to both current and future generations across the country.
The new framework forms part of an almost £20m Welsh government-backed Optimised Retrofit Programme that will see a consortium of housing associations and councils work on projects to help upgrade at least 1,000 existing social homes in Wales through a mixture of new energy-efficient materials and technologies.
Open to all housing associations, local authorities, and public sector bodies, the new framework will maximise opportunities for businesses across Wales to benefit from this investment – as well as ensure the funding drives the foundational economy and supports Welsh business and employment opportunities.
As the programme is rolled out across social housing in Wales over the coming years, it is hoped that it will bring with it more local jobs, training and apprenticeship opportunities, and supply chains as part of a new industry for the country.
Speaking about the opportunity, David Bolton, Assets Investment manager at Valleys to Coast, said: “This is a significant investment from the Welsh government and a big statement in terms of their focus on reducing carbon emissions and helping the economy recover post-COVID.
“We at Valleys to Coast are very proud to have been asked to lead on the procurement network that will support this.
“The benefits for customers and communities are potentially huge, and this is just the start of creating a new retrofit industry in Wales, which is really exciting.”
For Valleys to Coast customers in Bridgend, this will mean an initial investment in around 100 homes that will benefit from energy improvement works, which should reduce their bills and improve energy efficiency.
The first to benefit from the programme will be homes in the North Cornelly and Wildmill areas of Bridgend, and these will represent the start of Valleys to Coast’s plan of getting as many homes to an EPC rating of A by 2030.
Darrin Davies, director of Development and Asset Investment at Valleys to Coast, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us and the partners involved in this consortium to play a big role in making Wales greener.
“We will learn a lot from this in the coming years, and it speaks volumes of the strength of the Welsh housing sector that we are able to work together to tackle this issue and ensure that the advantages of this investment are felt locally.”
Valleys to Coast is a not for profit organisation that provides and manages 5,835 homes across Bridgend, South Wales.
The provider has recently been awarded Green Dragon Level 3 accreditation, which it says demonstrates its commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its activities.
Image: Colin Burdett/Shutterstock
Read next: Stonewater cheers government’s green investment push
Are you a social housing professional? Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to upload news stories, post job vacancies, and connect with colleagues on our secure social feed.
