In a recent project, Changeworks helped Hillcrest Homes improve their housing stock data and reporting to better support their retrofit planning.
Hillcrest has a varied housing stock, with over 8000 properties spread across seven local authority areas. To ensure an evidence-based net zero strategy, Hillcrest wanted to review and update both their own housing stock data and the data available through the Energy Saving Trust (EST). They also wanted the ability to model how energy efficiency upgrades and clean heating options would impact their specific housing archetypes. For example, they wanted to demonstrate the impact of installing solar PV on four-in-a-block properties.
In the last five years, Changeworks has completed bespoke housing stock analysis projects for more than 40 registered social landlords. This experience readied us to work with Hillcrest’s large data set and adapt existing models to their needs.
Improving housing stock data
Changeworks collated Hillcrest’s in-house databases, data from EST’s Home Analytics tool, and EPC data from the Scottish Government.
This collated dataset provided a more accurate picture of Hillcrest’s current housing stock, enabling an improved baseline from which to model home upgrades.
Helping Hillcrest model specific upgrades
Changeworks assigned costs to each energy efficiency measure. These were worked out based on property characteristics and location, as well as standard costs determined by stakeholders.
Annual CO2, financial and energy demand savings were also assigned to each measure, based on RdSAP modelling.
Supporting with PowerBI
Changeworks reviewed the data model feeding into Hillcrest’s Power BI reporting. Following this review, we proposed a restructured report that follows best practice principles. This will allow Hillcrest to more easily build reports in the future.
Reflecting on the project, Stephen Strachan, Sustainability Manager for Hillcrest said:
“Changeworks has helped us build a clear picture of our housing stock and given us the confidence to plan our next steps. The enhanced modelling capabilities mean we can explore more scenarios and make better-informed decisions about our retrofit strategy.
By tailoring the project to our needs, Changeworks has equipped us to move forward with confidence and continue delivering warmer, more energy-efficient homes for our tenants”.
Marjan van de Weg, Principal Consultant at Changeworks, explained that positive outcome:
“What made this project a success was being able to combine Changeworks’ experience in housing stock analyses and Power BI models with our understanding of Hillcrest’s intentions with their data. We understood they did not need a new tool built from scratch, but rather advice on how to improve their data and achieve more with their current tools. This helped us to create a bespoke approach together, which resulted in a meaningful outcome for Hillcrest.”