Orbit has appointed Wates for a two-year retrofit programme covering 410 homes across the UK, marking the beginning of a long-term partnership aimed at decarbonising Orbit's housing stock. 

The project is part of Orbit's strategy to meet the UK government's 2030 target for energy performance certificate ratings of at least C across all social housing in the country.  

Wates’ specialist teams will enhance energy efficiency in 160 homes under the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) Wave 2.1. 

Meanwhile, Orbit and the government’s ECO4 programme will fund the improvements to the remaining 250 properties. 

The PAS3025-compliant contract will feature a suite of building fabric improvements such as insulation and traditional capital works, to elevate the homes' energy efficiency.  

It will focus on external, internal, cavity wall, and loft insulation, in addition to replacing roofs, windows, and doors.  

In a collaborative effort with Orbit, Wates is set to explore digital and renewable energy solutions.  

The exploration will include the integration of smart thermostats, ventilation systems, and various heating options such as air- and ground-source heat pumps, among others. 

The retrofit scheme is scheduled for completion by September 2025, with the possibility of extending the contract for an additional four years.  

Wates Property Services executive managing director David Morgan said: “Our work in social housing retrofit to date has given us a wealth of experience and best practice to support our customers in delivering vital energy-efficiency improvements while also planning ahead for their long-term decarbonisation targets. 

“Our collective journey towards net zero is reliant on working in partnership in this way, and enables us to efficiently design and deliver the best possible measures for each property, improving efficiency, supporting Orbit in its net-zero strategy and helping to address fuel poverty for residents.” 

Last month, Wates entered into a partnership with Guildford Borough Council for a residential development in the town.