FINAL GPSJ Summer edition 2024 ONLINE VERSION.2pdf - Flipbook - Page 24
GPSJ
FUSION21 - COVER STORY
Navigating the path to net zero:
Landlords urged to take action to
utilise SHDF funding Wave 3
Paul Towers, Framework Manager
(Construction and Decarbonisation) at Fusion21
Decarbonisation is a key focus for the social housing sector, with government targets looming
on the horizon and the urgent need for action.
While funding is available to
help landlords ensure their
properties are compliant,
navigating the application
process and finding the right
installers remains a significant
challenge.
Fusion21’s national Decarbonisation
Framework offers a comprehensive
solution. It includes a turnkey model
providing housing associations and
landlords with access to a network of
qualified accredited suppliers to help
deliver their zero carbon goals.
This framework has already
procured £250 million in
decarbonisation retrofit projects for
members in the housing, health, and
education sectors. All appointed
suppliers are PAS2035:2019
24
compliant and Trustmark accredited.
Paul Towers, Framework Manager
(Construction and Decarbonisation)
at Fusion21, explains: “Our
Decarbonisation Framework valued
at £750 million over four years is a
key strategic framework designed
specifically to help members with
delivery of their net zero targets.
“Alongside it, we have three other
framework options that may assist in
helping our members meet carbon
reduction targets.”
These are Refurbishment,
Construction, New Build and
Modular Buildings Framework,
Consultancy Framework,
and Heating Renewables and
Electricals Framework.
GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC SECTOR JOURNAL SUMMER 2024
“As we move closer to net zero
deadlines,” Towers notes, “the issue
isn’t likely to be whether or not money
is available to fund these retrofits. It’s
more about having the infrastructure
in place with enough suppliers to
deliver the work. Currently, there is
a shortage of suitable accredited
supply partners, which only adds to
the sense of urgency.”
The Social Housing
Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) has
played a crucial role in improving
the energy performance of social
housing in the country. Wave 3
is coming soon, with draft details
announced by the previous
Government in May.
Around £1.2 billion in funding is
expected to be available to deliver
projects from April 2025 until March
2028, and applications are expected
to open as early as September.
Landlords need to start preparing as
soon as possible to make the most
of this opportunity – and Fusion21
can help.
“We have worked with social
housing landlords on decarbonisation
retrofits for several years,” says
Towers. “One of the biggest
stumbling blocks is a lack of
preparation, specifically out-ofdate property data, based on
assumptions, or cloned data.”
There are two stages to any
decarbonisation project and the
crucial stage is surveying properties
to ensure that information for each of
them is as up-to-date as possible.