Following an employee domestic retrofit assessment scheme last summer, Bradfords has now launched a formal partnership with Target CO2 to roll out domestic retrofit support across the South West.
Using the findings from an initiative which saw Bradfords provide retrofit assessment of employees’ homes, the builders’ merchant now offers a full retrofit assessment service from South West-based Target CO2, which has also helped the business to develop a suite of ‘retrofit hero’ products.
The employee scheme, in addition to upskilling the Bradfords team on retrofit, also provided invaluable insight into the most common measures required to improve housing stock across the UK. While expected measures such as additional loft insulation were required in the majority of the houses assessed, the need for solutions from zone heating, radiator thermostats, internal wall insulation, and improved ventilation systems also emerged.
While there are recurring themes, every home is different, so retrofit assessments must always be bespoke. The industry-first Home Packs were developed to include a condition report, an up-to-date EPC assessment, recommendations to improve energy efficiency (conducted to PAS2035 standards), and an indication of eligibility for government grants.
David Young, Bradfords CEO, said: “We need new approaches and partnerships if we are to meet national retrofit targets and make our homes warmer, healthier, and cheaper to heat and cool. That’s why we’re extending our collaboration with Target CO2 and others in this space, so that we can provide a complete service: not just stocking products, but upskilling staff and enabling customers to carry out their domestic retrofit projects without making potentially costly mistakes that can happen if work is undertaken without this crucial first step being taken.”
“Since the launch of the employee retrofit assessment scheme in June 2023, 48 employees have received bespoke plans, and the learnings have been shared with the wider business. We are continuing to work on distributing this knowledge to each of Bradfords’ 48 stores, so that all have retrofit expertise in their teams.
Ben Smith, Director at Target CO2, continued: “We are delighted to be taking our partnership with Bradfords to the next level by offering our Home Pack solution to customers. We recognise that undertaking a retrofit project can be a daunting prospect for homeowners, so our Home Packs address those concerns. By partnering with Bradfords, we know not only what issues people are likely to face, but also the best products to recommend to ensure energy efficiency and cost savings through a retrofit project.”
Giles Bradford, Head of Sustainability at Bradfords, added: “I really cannot endorse this service enough. I can categorically state, especially with a renovation project imminent, that the assessment provided invaluable detail about my home that has informed the choices we make as we renovate, and has helped me understand the issues we experienced like damp and drafts.”
