Paul Towers , Construction and Decarbonisation Framework Manager
As someone deeply associated with the social housing sector, I've seen firsthand the transformative impact that decarbonisation funding can have on communities.
As we approach the launch of Wave 3 of Social Housing Decarbonisation Funding (SHDF), it’s clear that time is of the essence for housing providers. The upcoming funding represents a significant opportunity to enhance the energy efficiency of social housing across the UK. However, to truly capitalise on this, it's crucial that providers start preparing now.
We’re standing at the edge of a potential £1.2 billion investment into social housing stock - a chance to significantly improve the energy efficiency of millions of homes across the UK. But the key to unlocking this funding lies in preparation.
Applications for SHDF Wave 3 are expected to open within months, possibly even next month, with funding available from April 2025 to March 2028. That’s not a lot of time, especially when you consider the complexity of the work involved. The steps you take today will determine whether you’re in a position to fully leverage the SHDF Wave 3 funding, ensuring your projects are resourced, delivered on time and within budget.
At Fusion21, we’ve developed a seven-step checklist designed to help you navigate this process. Whether it’s setting clear targets or selecting the right retrofit partner, taking these steps now will ensure you’re ready to hit the ground running when the funding becomes available.
Our national Decarbonisation Framework has been a game-changer for many of our members. It’s valued at £750 million over four years, and it’s already supported £250 million worth of decarbonisation projects, including those funded by previous SHDF waves. This framework provides you with access to a network of qualified suppliers and a turnkey model that simplifies the entire process.
I’ve often said that good procurement isn’t just about ticking boxes - it’s about creating real value. Having worked with numerous housing providers, I’ve seen how our framework can streamline the decarbonisation journey. From start to finish, we’re there to support you, ensuring you can effectively deliver meaningful improvements to your housing stock.
If there’s one message I want to get across, it’s this: start now. The success stories from previous SHDF-funded projects didn’t happen by chance - they were the result of meticulous planning and expert guidance.
SHDF Wave 3 is a golden opportunity to enhance the energy efficiency of social housing stock and improve living conditions for countless residents. But to seize this opportunity, we must act now.
For those of you who haven’t yet explored what Fusion21 can offer, I encourage you to visit our Decarbonisation Hub. We’re here to help you, ensuring you can deliver energy-efficient, high-quality homes for your residents.
By leveraging the expertise and frameworks we’ve developed at Fusion21, I’m confident that we can help you meet this challenge head-on and create lasting, positive change in our communities.
Join our next webinar
At our next decarbonisation webinar on 19 September at 11am, we’ll be discussing our work with Matrix Housing Partnership with insights from Sustainable Building Solutions. This is a great opportunity to learn from successful projects and get ready for the challenges and opportunities that SHDF Wave 3 will bring.
