Warm Wales

Arbed Energy Saving Programme Underway

Warm Wales – Cymru Gynnes (WWCG) are delighted to have been commissioned by a number of social housing providers to help deliver schemes throughout Wales which are being funded under the Welsh Assembly Government ‘Arbed’ programme.

‘Arbed’ (meaning ‘Save’) is a £30 million fund sourced primarily from the Strategic Capital Investment Fund (SCIF) and the UK Department of Energy and Climate Change (the initiative is also known as the ‘Strategic Energy Performance Investment Programme’). Phase 1 of ‘Arbed’ (2010 – 2011) is focused specifically on energy efficiency improvements to homes in economically deprived communities within Wales.

This groundbreaking scheme is intended to tackle climate change, help eradicate fuel poverty and boost economic development and regeneration within Wales. Most importantly the improvements to the housing stock under the ‘Arbed’ scheme will ensure that long term solutions are put in place to future proof Welsh homes.

Wales is leading the way in the UK with this innovative scheme and WWCG and its partners will not only be focusing on helping those most in need by reducing fuel costs and alleviating fuel poverty, but also making local job creation and training a key part of each and every project.

Also key to this scheme along with the generation of local training and employment is the economic opportunities for Welsh businesses. The design, manufacture, distribution, installation and maintenance of energy efficiency measures and renewable energy/heat technologies is a priority, and will be sourced locally.

As a forward thinking and highly successful Community Interest Company WWCG are able to access grant aid under Carbon Emission Reduction Target (CERT) and Community Energy Savings Programme (CESP) from a number of sources. Our grant funding enables us to provide innovative financial solutions for initiative schemes such as ‘Arbed’, maximising the benefits to each and every community involved. Working with communities WWCG has already delivered more than £30m of investment into Wales, with funding obtained from a range of partners creating energy savings in excess of £52m.

WWCG are committed to delivering a wide range of measures, in the area of sustainable energy and regeneration, in support of Assembly policies to help and assist Welsh residents in every way possible. Our aim is to ensure that sustainable housing ceases to be seen as a novelty, but instead becomes the everyday solution to tackle climate change and fuel poverty.

Our services include:

• training, knowledge and skills development;
• professional advice, design and project management services and
• access to funding sources.

At this time of rapid change, there is a need for specialist support and practical advice. Our dedicated team is supported by a network of specialist associates.

Our associates include:

• the Design Research Unit of the Welsh School of Architecture;
• BRE Wales;
• the European Housing Ecology Network, along with other specialists.

With these resources, we can offer a range of services for new-build and retrofit schemes, for example:

• the consultancy service will provide specialist technical support and advice and guidance to social landlords and developers;
• we are offering to design and develop a range of housing projects, in partnership with local authorities, RSLs and developers;
• we will offer to design, build and project manage new-build housing to code 5 and 6 of the code for sustainable homes.