CASE STUDY
MAKING SINGLE SOURCE PART OF THE LOCAL AUTHORITY HOUSING STRATEGY Single sourcing for a full roofing system can help local authorities balance cost, efficiency and sustainability considerations. Dan Redfern, Head of Marketing Communications from Marley explains how. As local authorities take stock and plan their housing strategies, they face three key considerations when it comes to creating or maintaining housing stock. Budgets need to stretch, building performance efficiencies need to be optimised and specification decisions taken to support a sustainable and energy efficient future for tenants.
The roofing factor Whether it is constructing new stock or the maintenance and refurbishment of existing properties, the roofing structure should be viewed as an essential component influencing cost, efficiency and sustainability-related factors. Opting to utilise a single roofing provider can deliver significant operational and commercial advantages in these areas, including product compatibility, system guarantees and access to immediate support should any performance issues arise. This explains why local authorities are selecting complete roof systems from a single supplier to help manage risk, minimise tenant disruption, mitigate future roofing claims and adhere with British Standards.
Today’s housing sustainability challenge In particular meeting sustainability objectives is an area of growing focus
20
BUILDER UK MAGAZINE
for local authorities – but the merits of just opting for solar PV is just one renewable roof-related technology solution. Instead, local authorities are now in a position to provide a complete renewable energy package to help safeguard tenants against future energy price volatility and dependence on the grid. Seeking manufacturers and suppliers who can offer a ‘one stop shop’ solution; one that includes other low carbon technologies such as battery storage, inverters and even EV chargers for supply chain convenience, will help future proof local authority housing. The inclusion of renewable technology solutions as part of the build will mean that residents can take advantage of sustainable solutions that can make a real difference during a cost-of-living crisis. It will also assist in satisfying current and impending regulations such as the Future Homes Standard whilst meeting the ongoing demand for more energy efficient solutions in the home. Renewable technology package in action: Marley’s full roof system has been installed at a social housing development of 64 flats in Redruth, Cornwall for Coastline Housing. The major roof retrofit specified Marley’s full roof system with Edgemere tiles, alongside renewable technologies including SolarTile®, inverter and battery storage and a fire barrier system, Roof Defence. Marley’s team of technical experts led the system development, including undertaking the specification calculations and product recommendations to ensure that there was enough solar power to support each of the flats. The final system was designed to deliver between 2.4 and 2.6 kWh to each flat, while the two communal areas deliver 46kWh and 15kWh, respectively.