Retrofitting for the future
THE ASPIRATION
Raising homes to new standards
Sovereign Network Group (SNG) set out to improve the energy performance of over 800 homes across London and East Hertfordshire, with a goal to meet the government-mandated EPC C rating by 2030. Beyond compliance, the brief aims to enhance thermal comfort, indoor air quality and resident wellbeing. The project presents added complexity: a wide mix of property types, locations spanning multiple boroughs and the need for careful coordination with residents.
OUR RESPONSE
A smart, joined-up retrofit approach
We have partnered with SNG for over 20 years, delivering services from fire safety and structural engineering to EPCs, stock condition surveys and asset management strategy. This foundation enabled a confident, joined-up response to their latest retrofit programme.
To meet the scale and complexity of this ambitious project, we are providing a fully multidisciplinary service – including Retrofit Designer, Project and Cost Management, Principal Designer, and Clerk of Works – delivering PAS 2035-compliant assessments, designs, coordination and ongoing monitoring and evaluation. The project forms part of an SHDF Wave 2.1 bid, targeting energy efficiency upgrades such as solar PV, loft insulation, room-in-roof insulation and flat roof insulation. Ventilation improvements have also been installed to support healthier internal environments.
Our Digital Engineering team developed a bespoke AirTable-based data-sharing platform, tailored to the client’s KPIs and retrofit requirements. The tool supports real-time dashboards for live progress updates, project management, document control and PAS 2035 compliance, enabling seamless collaboration across disciplines and enhancing overall project efficiency.
Access to properties has been a key challenge. Working closely with SNG and contractors, we introduced practical engagement solutions, including text alerts and a live communications log built into the app, improving both access rates and programme visibility.
Our in-house specialists have helped maintain pace and flexibility across a fast-moving, dispersed programme. For example, our Drone team has carried out solar panel inspections without the need for scaffolding, while our Cost Management consultants have stepped in to manage evolving payment structures, helping the client stay agile and on track.
THE RESULT
Progress you can see, powered by data
Work is currently underway across 800 homes, with retrofit assessments, coordination and designs progressing steadily. The AirTable app – winner of ‘Project Innovation of the Year (Large Scale Retrofit)’ at the Unlock Net Zero Awards – has been key to managing the programme’s scale and complexity, enabling real-time progress tracking and streamlined communication. Our flexible approach continues to keep the project on track as it expands across London and East Hertfordshire.
THE LASTING IMPACT
Better homes, stronger outcomes
By combining retrofit expertise with multidisciplinary delivery, we are helping SNG stay ahead of compliance targets while maximising value for residents and funders. Our joined-up approach has reduced project delays, improved data accuracy and delivered clearer communication with all stakeholders. Most importantly, it’s helping create warmer, healthier homes for hundreds of social housing tenants, and setting a benchmark for smart, scalable retrofit delivery.
Find out more about our multidisciplinary approach.
