Great Places Smart Retrofit project focused on a 34-home estate in Old Trafford, whosepre-existing insulation measures were failing. The aim was to understand, using KES’sin-use energy performance assessment technology, the actual energy efficiency impactof renewing the insulation with high quality measures. And whilst the standard EnergyPerformance Certificate (EPC) showed hardly any change to these homes, a 31%improvement in Space Heating Demand (SHD) was actually measured.
What Was Done
Targeted Retrofits:
-The existing deteriorated insulation was upgraded with new insulation to evaluate performance differences.
-Bespoke solutions were applied to address unique building challenges ,including:
▪ Staggered party walls with tailored insulation solutions.
▪ Step details at roof level to protect exposed areas of gable end walls.
▪ Insulated and draught-stripped existing loft hatches.
• Innovation in Delivery:
-A custom extraction protocol was developed to safely remove degradedurea formaldehyde cavity insulation.
- High-performance solutions were re-installed, including Supafil 34cavity wall insulation and Earthwool Loft Roll 40, for improved thermal conductivity and air leakage reduction.
• Quality Assurance:
-Pre-retrofit air pressure tests were conducted on 12 properties to benchmark performance.
- Post-retrofit testing and monitoring was carried out.
The Value We Delivered
- Substantial Energy Savings:
- A 31% improvement in Space Heating Demand (SHD) across the estate was measured with KES’s in-situ energy performance technology, even though the EPC hardly shifted at all.
- This translated to an average energy saving of 2,071 kWh per home annually, equivalent to £411 per year.
- Benefits of Renewing Insulation:
- The in-situ energy performance assessment was able to provide GreatPlaces with a clear view of the benefits of renewing insulation in these homes, something that the current EPC approach was unable to support.
- Comfort Metrics:
- By also measuring indoor temperatures and humidity levels, it was possible to understand the impact of these measures, in real-time, on tenants’ ability to keep homes warm and maintain appropriate humidity levels.
Why It Matters
This project underscores the importance of tackling inefficiencies in pre-existing insulation and the value of in-situ energy performance data in optimizing energy retrofits. By addressing structural challenges and applying innovative solutions, Knauf Energy Solutions demonstrated how renewing insulation can deliver meaningful energy savings, improve comfort, and reduce costs for residents.The Great Places project is a testament to the power of combining rigorous quality assurance with real-world data to drive sustainable change in the UK’s social housing sector.
