WPS to retrofit 700 homes for Orbit
WPS – the property services arm of Wates Group – has been appointed to deliver energy efficiency upgrades to more than 700 homes for Orbit in the Midlands and across the South of England.
The new programme of works, which will benefit from Wave 3 of the Government’s Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund (WHSHF), is an extension to a contract through which WPS has already delivered retrofit improvements across Orbit’s portfolio. It will see WPS deliver energy efficiency upgrades – including insulation, low-carbon heating and renewable energy solutions – to around 450 homes in the Midlands and a further 250 homes in Bexley.
Not-for-profit housing association, Orbit, has committed that 100% of its existing homes will be rated EPC band C or above by 2030. Its continued investment in the energy efficiency of its homes aims to support customers in the transition to net zero, with retrofit helping customers reduce their emissions and offering the potential for customers to make savings on their energy bills.
We’re proud to continue our partnership with Orbit through the WHSHF Wave 3 programme. This new contract is testament to the trust and collaboration we’ve built during the delivery of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund: Wave 2.1 programme.
“Integrating energy efficiency upgrades with planned maintenance will drive a holistic asset management approach to ensure compliance and timely replacement while delivering homes that are warmer, healthier and more efficient to heat. It’s another step forward in our shared commitment to delivering sustainable homes, fit for the future.”
Ben Williams
Head of Zero Carbon Retrofit at WPS
At Orbit, we are committed to doing what we can to support our customers in the transition to net zero and are firmly focused on ensuring our customers have energy efficient, warmer homes. We have made good progress so far but recognise there is still a long way to go in retrofitting homes at scale, which is why we welcome Wave 3 funding, particularly as the cost-of-living crisis continues to affect our customers.
“We look forward to working with WPS to get this programme underway so we can deliver even more energy efficient homes for our customers.”
Jeanette Hodges
Director of Strategic Asset Management at Orbit
