In October 2023, Synergize was appointed by competitive tender to a suite of retrofit works for South Derbyshire District Council, encompassing over £2 million worth of carbon reduction works, and deployed it’s specialist division Synzero to complete the project. Retrofitting is a key throughline of the emerging green economy, and getting it right first time is essential, both for cost-saving and public safety. With that in mind, Synzero are proud to have become a trusted name for local authorities across the UK in delivering these goals.
Working closely with SDDC, Synzero provided expert surveying and advice to determine the best way forwards with the programme. Delivered through several major funding streams—including the Home Upgrade Grant, the Local Authority Directive, and the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund—Synzero showed a consistent commitment to value-for-money across these major public sector steams. Their consistent, high-quality delivery is testament to Synzero’s ability to handle major public works, including the following technical elements:
- Air Source Heat Pumps
- Solar PV
- Cavity, loft and external wall insulation
- Electrical heating
Over a variety of works, ranging from tried-and-true staples of the industry all the way to the latest decarbonisation technology, Synzero showed expertise in helping SDDC deliver on its Net Zero targets.
Expert insight and planning
Synzero’s input to the programme began at the pre-construction phase, where it delivered a comprehensive assessment and surveying process. Four key roles of specialist retrofit staff were appointed to the programme to oversee the planning stage and co-operate with SDDC to design a project fit for its residents’ needs.
Synzero underpinned all of its survey works with a robust process aligned to PAS2035, designed to allow identification and management of technical risks, promote quality outcomes, and protect residents and their homes against dangerous unintended consequences. To increase capacity and allow a timely completion of this pre-start phase, Synzero collaborated with local specialist subcontractors—simultaneously expediting the delivery of works whilst building expert technical knowledge in the local economy through its whole-site training.
With the survey works completed, Synzero’s team worked with SDDC to draw up a plan of works focused on efficiency and value for money without sacrificing quality. By liaising directly with SDDC, the council was able to set its own priorities for buildings, empowering the local authority to deliver for its residents. It also allowed the council and Synzero to agree a plan of action for buildings with vulnerable or high-need residents, letting the important details be agreed early to best safeguard tenants.
High standards for installation
Early in the mobilisation, Synzero agreed KPIs and targets for the contract alongside SDDC, guaranteeing a high standard of service with a commitment to transparency. All agreements were aligned with EEM Framework Service Levels, ensuring responsible procurement practices and value for money across the entire programme of works.
Synzero’s installation teams got to work quickly across the first wave of buildings, delivering key preparatory services and gaining expertise with the sites whilst awaiting the delivery of the new Solar PV panels. This rigorous approach towards maximising productivity in lead times represented a massive saving in both time and cost of the works, and allowed Synzero to perform a rolling programme of works across several buildings.
Ultimately, the complete schedule of retrofitting works was delivered in 10 months, bringing all buildings to an EPC standard of C or above. In order to assure them of quality and value for money, Synzero provided SDDC with monthly ongoing reports, encompassing tailored project-specific data including:
- Costs and anticipated savings
- Fuel savings (annually and lifetime)
- CO2 savings (annually and lifetime)
- Anticipated payback period
- Carbon cost effectiveness
Putting the client first
None of Synzero’s works would be possible without its customers, so placing the client experience at the heart of everything it does comes naturally. At every stage throughout the programme, Synzero liaised with SDDC to ensure that their priorities and needs shaped the direction of the project. A close liaison with the council’s Low Carbon Project Manager was maintained through monthly meetings, addressing any issues and providing updates on progress.
This desire to put clients first extended to SDDC’s tenants. Working with the council’s team and local subcontractors, Synzero facilitated tenant engagement meetings, inviting residents to meet the team, ask questions, and raise awareness of the retrofit works. This was critical to ensure residents were on board with the works, supporting first time access and installations.
By centring the experience and needs of the client, Synzero can provide a flexible and adaptive service, putting the customer first.
