The £2m project saw 122 properties in Westminster benefit from energy efficient upgrades, partly funded by the government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund.
Mears Group delivered works on behalf of client Octavia (part of the Abri Group), aiming to improve both the condition and performance of Octavia’s social housing stock to tackle fuel poverty and deliver warm, energy efficient homes.
The project targeted homes with the poorest thermal performance, using a ‘Fabric First’ focused programme to carry out upgrades. This cost-effective approach involves addressing the building’s physical fabric including insulation and ventilation systems, leading to significant energy savings with long-term impact and lasting benefits.
Work has included cavity wall insulation, the installation of a new insulated roof, the addition of high heat retention storage heaters and the implementation of a ventilation strategy.
Emma Dewey, Sustainability and Energy Manager at Octavia (part of the Abri Group) said:
“We’re pleased to have been working on this project with Mears, making these homes much more energy efficient and reducing energy bills for our residents. We appreciate how proactive and understanding the team was of residents’ requirements and how they supported our ambition to ensure all our homes are healthy places to live, enhancing the wellbeing of our residents while reducing carbon emissions.”
Catarina Gibson, Head of Operations at Mears, said:
“We are very pleased to deliver this important work for Octavia Group. All properties now achieve an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Band C. Tenants should see a reduction in energy bills as a result, and their homes should overall be more comfortable, helping to improve their health and wellbeing.“We’ve also cut carbon emissions by 2.82 tonnes; the equivalent of driving approximately 7,200 miles in an average petrol car.”
Mark Fenton-Smith, Regional Director at Mears, said:
“This completion marks another achievement for Mears towards helping clients achieve their net zero goals. By March 2026, we’ll have already delivered tailored retrofit solutions to almost 5,000 homes just like these.“Funding from the next wave of the government’s Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund will see Mears partner with a further eight social housing providers to make 2,329 homes warmer and kinder to the environment by 2028.”