New Social Housing Retrofit Accelerator launched

Social housing providers across England can now access fully-funded support from what has been described as a ‘ground-breaking new programme helping to decarbonise their housing stock.’ 

The Social Housing Retrofit Accelerator (SHRA) helps social housing providers overcome barriers to developing retrofit projects through a range of support, specifically focused around helping them bid for the £160m Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF). 

Funded by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, the service is delivered by Turner & Townsend on behalf of the Greater London Authority (GLA).

This free support from the Social Housing Retrofit Accelerator (SHRA) will include an in-depth knowledge hub along with workshops and webinars, drawing together industry best practice to help social housing providers deliver excellent retrofit projects. Tailored one-to-one support is also available, helping organisations bid into the next round of SHDF.  

Shirley Rodrigues, London’s deputy mayor for environment and energy, said: “The Social Housing Retrofit Accelerator builds on the expertise we’ve developed in London to tackle the challenge of transforming our buildings for a zero carbon future. It will provide nationwide support to help social housing providers across England gain access to funding for major retrofit projects. 

“We’re proud to collaborate with government to scale up this necessary work and help increase the quality and speed of retrofit projects. Together we’re enabling social housing providers to cut carbon emissions and reduce heating costs for thousands of homes. tackling the climate emergency and the growing issue of fuel poverty.”

Richard McWilliams, director, sustainability, at Turner & Townsend, said: “The Social Housing Retrofit Accelerator combines a clear government commitment to long-term funding with free access to the sector-leading expertise. In helping social housing providers future-proof their housing portfolios and accelerate the decarbonisation of the UK’s homes, it is a critical programme with an important role to play in meeting net zero targets. 

“Our specialist team is ready to help overcome the barriers many housing providers have experienced in the past, and to support the transformation of ageing housing into comfortable, energy efficient homes that are fit for the future.”

Click here for further information and to access support from the Social Housing Retrofit Accelerator.