Helping Acorn Homes bridge the performance gap between planned energy efficiency measures and energy performance in practice.
This case study explores how we partnered with Acorn Homes to bridge the gap between planned energy efficiency and real-word performance. We’ll showcase how our framework agreement delivered testing, compliance, and consultancy across their projects, ultimately helping them achieve:
- Improved energy efficiency in both new builds and renovations
- Cost-effective solutions that met their sustainability goals
- A path to exceeding building regulations for a more sustainable future
Building Greener, More Profitable Homes: How We Helped Acorn Homes Do Both
Acorn Homes build beautiful houses across the southwest and take pride in bringing quality, care, and attention to each new build development and renovation project. Their award-winning focus on excellence and sustainability has won them industry respect and a growing customer base. But they faced a challenge: achieving top energy ratings while navigating a difficult market with rising material costs. This case study showcases how our partnership bridged that gap, delivering both environmental and financial benefits.
The Challenge: Beyond Compliance
While Acorn priorities the mandatory step of meeting building regulations, their vision extends to building future-proof homes.
For renovation work, Acorn endeavours to improve all EPC ratings, where possible, and attaining the highest possible energy performance ratings is a key priority for their team. For new build projects, Acorn is committed to achieving an air tightness target above the minimum standards set. However, achieving these goals within budget constraints proved trickly.
Amid the cost of living crisis where materials and labour are in short supply, how do you build to the best possible energy efficiency standards while making each project profitable?
To summarise, the challenges faced were:
- Achieving top energy ratings in new builds and renovations.
- Maintaining profitability amidst rising material costs.
- Exceeding minimum building regulations for a sustainable future.
The Solution: A Framework Agreement
We developed a framework agreement to deliver testing, compliance, and consultancy across all Acorn Home’s property developments. This unique approach ensures the planned energy efficacy translated into reality, closing the gap between theoretical calculations and real-world performance.
New build solution
- Our desk-based sustainability consultants provide the calculations and energy modelling required at the planning stage of each of Acorn’s new build developments. They advise on which building materials to select for optimum energy performance for each new build project and regularly communicate with the project manager.
- Our testing specialists advise on the best approach for air tightness design for each building archetype at the design phase.
- When it comes to the final stages of construction, our on-site team conduct final tests and feed back comparing “As Built” performance to initial plans.
Renovation support
- Existing property owners are concerned with rising energy prices, so every renovation project undertaken by Acorn is air tested by us to help understand how their EPC score could be improved.
The Results: A Win-Win Partnership
Our collaborative partnership with Acorn has achieved impressive results:
- Over 200 air tightness tests conducted, 300+ SAPs calculated and consultancy delivered across six southwest developments – this comprehensive approach ensured consistent quality and energy efficiency across all their projects.
- Average air tightness test scores per dwelling in new builds have improved over time – this translates to reduced drafts, improved comfort, and lower energy bills for homeowners.
- Average EPC ratings for renovations jumped from “E” to “C”, boosting energy efficiency – this substantial improvement translates to significant energy cost savings for homeowners, making their properties more comfortable and valuable.
Building a Sustainable Future, Together
Our partnership with Acorn Homes demonstrates that high-performing, eco-friendly homes can be both profitable and comfortable. We’ve helped them build well, create comfortable living spaces, and save money across multiple developments. By working together, we’ve helped them to achieve their sustainability goals while maintaining financial viability.
The success of this partnership is a testament to our unique approach, bridging the performance gap between desk-based theoretical plans and the real world results of on-site testing. Our framework agreement ensures consistent quality and energy efficiency across all projects.
Do you have similar requirements and are looking for a trusted partner? Let’s talk. We help customers build well, live comfortably, and save money. Contact us today to discuss your specific project requirements and discover how we can help you build a sustainable future.
