The SmartLIFE Retro-fit for business (SRfB) project will investigate solutions towards 
affordable low carbon social housing in the East of England. The project will address the core elements of economic growth, measured change in CO2 and energy use reduction.
The project is a partnership between Cambridgeshire County Council (Lead partner), Anglia Ruskin University, Luminus Group and Fenland District Council. It has won European Regional Development Fund and Housing Growth Fund grants to start a new exciting retrofit project in Wisbech, Fenland.
SRfB will deliver a whole house/flat retrofit solution to 3 traditional style blocks of flats built in 2004 that provide move on accommodation to homeless tenants. They are modern cavity wall properties, brick and block, with electric panel heaters, standard cavity wall and loft insulation. Within the blocks combined there are a total of 33 flats, 9 communal kitchens/lounges and 9 communal bathrooms. The approach will be a holistic one taking into account all aspects contributing towards CO2 emission reduction, % SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) increase, and actual fuel saving. Currently the target properties have D EPC ratings, and 65 as a SAP rating, following the whole house solution we expect the SAP rating to rise to approximately 81, and as a minimum the home will be lifted to B EPCs with an aspiration to go higher once it is established the full extent of property works.
The learning from the tenant engagement work and installation of new technology will be fed through to SMEs in the region and guide the construction industry as well as the general business community.
The project will also be able to support SMEs directly. A series of workshops, will be used to engage companies, introduce them to the project and the one to one support that can be provided. SMEs will be given the chance to observe closely the manufacturer/installer or supplier to learn first hand about diversifying into the low carbon supply chain. There will be advice on new and innovative training courses in low carbon construction delivered through SmartLIFE and onsite visits of the flats will be available.
The project runs from 1st September 2011 to 30th June 2014 and will result in a full year of monitoring data after works are complete.
If you are an SME or are interested to find out more about this unique project and how your company could benefit then please contact:
Jane Frank, Project Manager : 01223 715689
jane.frank@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
We are an architectural practice based in Olney, Buckinghamshire. We have been working on a few refurbishment projects in the past and would like to expand that side of the business focussing on eco-retrofit.
Is there any support or networking opportunities could we be provided ?