Social housing providers in Wales could lead the way in helping the country meet targets to reduce its carbon output by refurbishing their stock of affordable homes, according to NorDan UK.
NorDan UK, which has just opened a new office in Cardiff, says housing associations can help residents keep their homes warmer and reduce their heating bills, while also reducing the carbon output and wider environmental impact of their housing stock, by installing its low-carbon window systems.
The company says social landlords should consider windows when they access the Welsh government’s £270 million investment into upgrading social homes. The investment is part of the Wales Housing Quality Standards (WHQS) scheme, which aims to improve the living conditions of residents, and the Optimised Retrofit Programme (ORP) in Wales, which focuses on retrofitting homes with energy-efficient technologies that reduce carbon and improve energy performance.
The critical role of windows and doors
Lou Johnson, NorDan UK’s Regional Director for Wales and West of England, who is heading up the Cardiff office, explains: “Decarbonising social homes hinges on hitting energy performance targets. For housing associations in Wales, this means grasping the critical role of windows and doors, which are responsible for around 20% of a home’s total heat loss." [1]
“Establishing a permanent base in Cardiff will enable us to provide even better support to our clients and partners in Wales. This is about NorDan UK’s deep-seated commitment to supporting sustainable housing practices in Wales, helping social landlords find the best and most cost-effective solutions for their residents.”
NorDan UK has a wide range of potential customers in Wales, from private new build developments and retrofit schemes, through to smaller self-build and DIY projects. Because Wales has hundreds of miles of rugged coastline, NorDan UK’s products will be perfect as they are designed for tough Scandinavian conditions.
Demand for NorDan products has soared
Demand for NorDan UK’s products from affordable housing owners and developers in England and Scotland, for new build and refurbishment projects, has soared in recent years as providers strive to meet the UK’s net Zero targets.
The company counts ten of the twelve major G15 social landlords in London among its customers. Not only do their windows deliver long-term cost savings because they last longer than PVC windows, they also help keep homes warmer, meaning lower energy bills for tenants.
This is why the company is extending its expertise and innovative solutions with the inauguration of a new Wales headquarters and showroom in Copse Walk, Cardiff. By establishing a local presence, NorDan aims to forge strong relationships with housing associations and private developers in Wales, while highlighting the vital role windows play in the overall mix of improvements to homes.
[1] https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/how-to-keep-your-house-warm-in-winter/
