Creating integrated environmental solutions

• Renewable Energy Installations
• Installation of Energy Efficient Central Heating Installations
• External ‘Wrap’ Render Insulation solutions along with Loft Insulation
• Re-roofing
• Electrical Rewires and Upgrades
• PVCu Door and Window Replacements
• Kitchen & Bathroom Refurbishments
• External Environmental Improvements

Two of the programme’s most environmentally focused projects are the schemes at Kinmel Bay which include the re-roofing and installation of Solar Energy systems to approximately 200 south facing properties, and, the refurbishment of more than 60 properties at Maes-Y-Dre involving a ‘whole house’ refurbishment approach which includes the following:

• Structural repairs
• Windows and Doors replacement to increase environmental efficiency
• Re-roofing and the installation of new loft insulation to bring the properties up to current building regulations standards
• The installation of new kitchens and bathrooms to bring them up to the Welsh Housing Quality Standard, incorporating dual flush toilets and  lower capacity baths holding only 140 litres to reduce water consumption
• Full electrical rewires and the installation of low energy light fittings and CAT 5 cabling to enable internet access in every room
• The installation of new energy efficient gas central heating systems combined with solar thermal panels using renewable energy to heat the hot water and thereby reduce Customer’s gas and electricity consumption, with the associated reduction in fuel bills and fuel poverty
• Full redecoration and the fitting of carpets
• Landscaping, the provision of garden sheds and water butts and other improvements to enhance the physical environment

The improvements will deliver 996 tonnes reduction in CO2 emissions over the lifetime of the improvements (based on 20 years), with increased SAP ratings from 47 to 78.

The value of the work to Kinmel Bay is estimated at £1.5M, and that at Maes-Y-Dre at £1.7M.

The partnership is also providing added value through the appointment of Crest Co-operative Ltd to act as the waste management contractor on the project thereby  reducing the negative environmental impact of the works with respect to the generation of waste. Crest Co-operative Ltd is a Social Enterprise Company based in Llandudno Junction that employs local people and provides opportunities for young and adult offenders, and people with learning disabilities to gain work experience through this scheme. The partnership has engaged in an Interim Labour Market initiative through the Maes Y Dre scheme to provide 5 long-term workless people with work experience and training through these works. Cartrefi Conwy, G. Purchase Construction Ltd and Crest employ their ‘Waste Not, Want Not’ (WN2) principles to the environmental management of the scheme. This mechanism of waste management involves Crest salvaging the most waste that it can. This can include refurbishing sanitaryware, ironmongery, reconstructing kitchen units in good condition, sections of worktop, and plumbing fittings. Some items, such as kitchen drawers or doors are re-supplied to Cartrefi Conwy’s Building Maintenance Unit for use as spares for repairing existing kitchens. What cannot be salvaged is recycled, timber is cut, planed, and sold as reclaimed timber. Timber which cannot be reclaimed is cut, bagged, and sold for kindling. Even old ceramic tiles are bagged and re-sold as artist materials! Using this technique the partnership re-uses or recycles 94% of the waste generated through the works. The income generated by Crest through this initiative is used to fund its training and work placement schemes.

The scheme undertaken at Maes Y Dre represents the very best practice in housing improvement schemes in Wales. It combines a sustainable investment in the environmental improvement of housing stock, fundamental improvements to tackle fuel poverty, reducing the environmental impact of the processes involved in improving the stock, and a practical application of the ‘Can Do’ Toolkit in the engagement of Crest; a Social Enterprise SME bringing genuine employment and training opportunities to disadvantaged members of the local community.

This initiative and commitment to Best Practice has been officially recognised as such at two recent awards in October 2010 winning the ‘Innovation Award’ at the Welsh Recycling Awards, and the ‘Waste Initiative Award’ at the Sustainable Housing Awards.