With Social Housing providers facing a raft of energy performance legislation, including the introduction of Energy Performance Certificates later this year – Munters has introduced a unique Energy Performance Survey.
This new survey combines industry leading non destructive techniques, which, for the first time delivers Social Housing providers with an objective and structured approach to the energy performance improvement.
The energy survey is designed to help improve energy efficiency by measuring current energy performance, targeting improvement action areas to increase energy performance and identifying further investigation requirements which combined with housing stock database can build a stock and individual property improvement plan.
Commenting Munters Energy Services Manager - Nik Day said: “The approach that Munters has adopted enables us to work with Social Housing providers to determine a relevant stock auditing model. This provides statistically relevant results, enables a full analysis of stock type and the implementation of a defined and measured energy efficiency programme.
Nik continued, “As the survey Munters offers contains the EPC it means that by undertaking the survey within empty properties, the social housing provider can achieve substantial cost benefits, by not paying for the EPC certificate twice.”
The energy survey combines three non-destructive techniques - an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), an air tightness test and a thermography survey – the latter uses infrared technology to identify differences in temperature and highlight heat/energy loss and where water/moisture may be entering the property. Munters’ own employed technicians are qualified and registered DEAs, accredited British Institute Non Destructive Testing (BIND) technicians and Thermographic certified – an unique industry combination.
Golden Gates Housing (ALMO) Business Service Development Manager, Ian Robinson commented: “As a leading social housing landlord (awarded 3 star status with ‘excellent prospects for improvement’ by the Audit Commission) we are constantly looking to identify and invest in ways in which we can improve our services. Our partnership with Munters has enabled us to prepare for meeting our obligations outlined in the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive that comes into force October 2008. Partnership working with Munters has now extended to supporting our organisations renewable energy pilot schemes. What we required was a comprehensive survey that evaluated the existing energy performance and carbon footprint of the property. To support our ‘whole house’ approach on energy performance, thermography and air tightness testing was also initiated.
Ian continues, “By having this comprehensive ‘whole house’ service provided from one organisation delivers consistency, minimises bureaucracy and cost. Munters professional approach is now being employed by two other social housing providers on renewable energy projects in partnership with Golden Gates Housing. Plans are well advanced for renewable energy projects for 2008/2009. Munters will be part of the team in delivering the programme that will link with GGH’s 30 year ‘asset management strategy’.
With the ever increasing energy efficiency demands on social landlords – HECA, Best Value, Decent Homes, Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Act 2006 - this revolutionary service ensures measureable energy efficiency delivery and supports compliance.
Further information
Welcome to contact Nik Day for further information on this service. You can reach him on tel 07831 253905 or by email nik.day@munters.co.uk