Matrix Housing Partnership utilises Fusion21’s Decarbonisation Framework to make over 900 homes more energy efficient

More than 900 homes are going to be made more energy efficient in a multi-million makeover after a trailblazing consortium of social landlords enlisted Fusion21 as its preferred procurement partner.

Matrix Housing Partnership, a consortium of seven social landlords – all of which areFusion21 members – worked in partnership to secure £12m funding earlier this year from the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund towards a transformational £26.2m project in upgrading 905 energy efficiency measures in homes across the Midlands and South West.

And after securing the government funding the consortium again pooled resources to appoint Fusion21 as its procurement partner utilising its Decarbonisation Framework for the project which will deliver regeneration works including cavity wall insulation, installing new windows and doors, loft insulation, and measures to improve ventilation between 2023 and 2025.

The Decarbonisation Framework has been designed to ensure that organisations can set their own net zero roadmap, reduce emissions and maximise cost savings and ensure social value is included in projects such as creating local jobs and apprenticeship opportunities, voluntary work and community-focused initiatives.

Having accessed Fusion21’s Decarbonisation Framework, the Matrix Housing Partnership – which manages more than 100,000 homes and comprises GreenSquareAccord (GSA), Black Country Housing Group, Citizen Housing Group, Pioneer Housing and Community Group, Rooftop Housing Association, Trent & Dove Housing and Trident Housing Association – is benefiting from having the project delivered by single supply partner, Sustainable Building Services (UK) Limited (SBS).

Now a new animation video, led by GSA and joint funded by the consortium, has been released highlighting to customers the energy efficiency upgrades of the 905 homes included in the scheme which will also see older homes upgraded so they have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least C.

You can watch the video and get more details about the project here.

Paul Towers, Fusion21 Framework Manager, said it was fantastic the Decarbonisation Framework had been utilised for a scheme that would transform properties across the country.

He said: “Using our framework has enabled the consortium to share best practice and have swift and effective delivery of these essential works which will make more than 900 homes more energy efficient.

“Pooling resources in this way means the consortium will get one framework fee and make savings in terms of supply partners as the costs attached will be based on the aggregation of the total value not individual projects.”

Through this contact, the Matrix Housing Partnership is being supported to deliver social value it can see in its communities. To date, activities benefiting the project regions include having one defibrillator donated to a community first responder organisation, arranging skip-hire for residents, donating footballs to community teams, and goods to food banks.

Fusion21 supplier SBS is investing 0.5% of the contract value to support local activities on each project and one apprenticeship is being created per £1 million contract spend. This project has already supported 25 full-time roles at SBS and 200 full-time roles in the supply chain.

In addition, SBS has employed one full-time Resident Liaison Officer and three full-time General Operatives per regional delivery team, providing mentoring and support.  

For more information about Fusion21's Decarbonisation Framework and their impactful projects, please visit https://www.fusion21.co.uk/frameworks-decarbonisation