Blogs

During her first major speech in post, the new chancellor Rachel Reeves reintroduced mandatory housebuilding targets and a promise to deliver “the biggest increase in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation”. Clive Feeney discusses the opportunities for SME's winning work in the public sector.

This time last week we welcomed nine new starters to our employee induction event held at LHC’s head office in West London. It was the second dedicated event for new starters that LHC has hosted, and what a welcome it was! 

The King’s Speech marks an important moment in any government as it sets its agenda for the next parliamentary period. For Labour, it represents their first opportunity to deliver change after a lengthy period in opposition. What does this mean for housing? 

To meet the UK’s net zero ambitions we need a sustained retrofit programme to reduce energy consumption, improve thermal performance and decrease the carbon impact of our buildings. Renewable technologies will play a critical role in addressing this challenge – but it can sometimes be difficult for clients when comparing and procuring different solutions.

That’s where frameworks help.

In the realm of energy efficiency and building standards in the UK, PAS 2030 and PAS 2035 are critical. They provide guidelines and requirements for the installation of energy efficiency measures and the retrofit of buildings.

We take a look into the accreditation and its importance in the retrofit journey. 

Local authorities and housing associations are responsible for 6.3 million public sector buildings, and face increasing pressure to improve their existing stock by retrofit and decarbonisation to both meet the environmental targets, and support tenants through the energy and fuel crisis.

Through extensive pre-tender engagement LHC has designed its latest framework to support these challenges.

In the race to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, local authorities are facing one of the biggest changes, and therefore challenges, of a generation; retrofitting their existing housing stock to meet stringent decarbonisation requirements.

However, help is at hand...

Clive Feeney, LHC's Group Managing Director, reflects on the achievements and growth during LHC's first year as a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG), and how an updated strategic vision has led to new partnerships, growth opportunities and an increased focus on Social Value. 

As the third greatest creator of CO₂ emissions in the UK, behind energy and transport, the construction industry’s challenge to meet net zero isn’t going away. The demand for action is increasing, and institutions like housing associations are being asked what they are doing to meet the 2050 net zero goal.

At LHC, our new social value strategy places it as a key element of our vision to improve lives and places through quality procurement solutions. Being the not-for-profit providers of high-quality procurement solutions, the strategy will complement our solution delivery to all public sector organisations by enhancing added value and supporting them to maximise public benefit from their procurement activity. To put this social awareness into practice, address societal challenges, and deliver sustainable, impactful change, we are collaborating with HACT – a leading charity in the social housing sector.