Housing association residents in Walsall are set to benefit from reduced fuel bills, following the installation of ‘A’ rated PVC-U windows and doors by CMS Window Systems.
The eco-friendly transformation of Whiston House, a high-rise block of 42 flats, is part of a £30m Energy Company Obligation (ECO) project by social housing provider Walsall Housing Group (WHG) and British Gas, and also includes external wall insulation. The project will see similar improvements to six other WHG high-rise blocks across Walsall.
Mark Carracher at CMS Window Systems said: “The refurbishment project has not only improved the look of the property but should also result in significant energy and cost savings for residents – and hopefully go some way towards eliminating fuel poverty, which can be a concern for many social housing residents and providers.”
CMS were awarded the contract to install tilt and turn windows, balcony doors and windows in the communal areas after winning the competitive cost and quality based tender. CMS is an approved British Gas supplier and has a track record of delivering energy efficient improvement programmes.
Cliff Horrocks, director of asset management at WHG said: “We are delighted to be leading the way in energy saving retrofit through our innovative Surefire framework. Our partnership with British Gas and our commitment to energy saving for our tenants means we always work with specialists who can provide quality products and services.”
The highly insulating ‘A’ rated windows are manufactured using Sheerframe lead free PVC-U profiles and feature thermally superior low ‘E’ softcoat double glazed sealed units. With a low ‘U’value, these fully UK made windows have a much higher thermal performance energy rating (WER) than the current windows.
All work has been carried out in close consultation with residents living at the properties to minimise disruption. Walsall Housing Group, owning around 19,000 properties across Walsall, is one of the largest and most successful providers of high quality housing in the West Midlands.
To find out more about CMS Window Systems, visit www.cmswindows.com
