Builders use green technology to overhaul empty properties

Coleshill-based firm Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) West Midlands has breathed new life into a number of empty properties by kitting them out with carbon reducing green technology.

The community regeneration specialist, which forms part of the Keepmoat group, is working in partnership with Solihull Community Housing (SCH) and Wolverhampton Homes to drastically reduce tenants’ carbon emissions.

FHM has transformed one empty property at Newlands Road in Bentley Heath, Solihull, and four more in Gower Street and Maxwell Street in Wolverhampton as part of the eco project.

Tenants will move into the properties in the coming weeks and each household will be assessed individually as part of a pilot scheme to assess the best methods of reducing carbon emissions and household bills.

Dave Cartwright, Project Manager at FHM, said: “Our work in both Solihull and Wolverhampton is trailblazing, as the pilot scheme will allow us to share our research with new and existing clients about the best approach to take when seeking to reduce carbon emissions.

“Following our work with SCH and Wolverhampton Homes we will be able to integrate our findings and ideas into future specifications for retrofits. The technology we have introduced in these properties place us at the forefront of the eco market and we are always looking at new ways of improving our sustainable measures.

“We anticipate that our new and existing clients will use our research to introduce a selection of eco measures used in our pilot project, if they don’t have the funding to replicate the carbon reducing technology in full.”

FHM approached SCH last year to request funding to deliver a “retrofit” project and installed a Ground Source Heat pump and improved insulation as part of the renovation process.

The eco measures include solar powered security lighting, rainwater butts, low water use for bathroom suites and taps, home composting facilities, eco friendly paints, low energy lighting and new heating and electrical systems.

In Wolverhampton, FHM offered to complete retrofit works to an empty property owned by Wolverhampton Homes early last year. In response, Wolverhampton Homes successfully applied for funding to convert 10 properties using green technology in a deprived area of Wolverhampton.

FHM is the chosen contractor to work on four of the 10 properties, and each house will provide a platform to assess which technologies are most effective when it comes to reducing carbon emissions.

The spectrum of renewable technologies include air source heat pumps, solar panels, highly efficient ventilation systems, highly efficient boilers and lighting systems and wind power.

The project is the first of its kind in the West Midlands, as it brings three contractors together to share results and best practice when it comes to promoting the most effective carbon reducing technology to their clients.