Esh Construction outlined its commitment to helping registered housing providers decarbonise their housing stock with the launch of a brand-new retrofit solutions division in December 2022.
Building on extensive experience of working with housing associations and local authorities to refurbish and upgrade homes for more than two-decades, Esh Retrofit Solutions was established to deliver essential works that improve the energy efficiency of existing homes.
The development of a specialist retrofit division brought with it a raft of opportunities, starting with the appointment of Lisa Stafford as Head of Retrofit Solutions last year who builds on 27 years’ experience in the construction industry.
Another essential role in the retrofit process is that of Document Controller – a position that was secured by Kate Patchett just nine months ago, following a 17-year career in the facilities management sector.
Kate said: “Having worked in positions where I was responsible for coordinating and managing repairs and maintenance for several years, moving into retrofit presented a new challenge. It is a crucial part of the retrofit process as we must evidence the full process from pre- to post-installation and lodge this with TrustMark, which is a requirement of all government-funded schemes, and this really interested me.”
Day-to-day, Kate is responsible for documenting and evidencing compliance throughout the retrofit installation process. Taking part in pre, mid and post-installation surveys on site, Kate develops an evidence bank of imagery and completes supporting documentation for each retrofit measure.
Esh Retrofit Solutions has recently achieved PAS 2030 certification in Loft Insulation (Roll insultation & Blown insulation), Cavity Wall Insulation including that installed in party walls, and energy efficient glazing & doors, including replacement Insulated Glass Units (IGU).
Kate added: “I have also been involved in collating evidence to demonstrate compliance with the PAS 2030 measures, this involved working closely with our sub-contractors who provide supporting evidence. I worked with sub-contractors a lot in my previous roles, and I’ve also completed a site supervision qualification, both of which have helped me to build collaboration and good working relationships with our supply chain.”
Esh is working in partnership with Thirteen Group to deliver energy efficient upgrades in more than 60 homes in the Primrose Hill area of Stockton, where Kate has been on site since the beginning.
Looked ahead, Kate is keen to expand her experience in the retrofit sector by completing accredited training such as the Level 5 Diploma in Retrofit Coordination and Risk Management. “It has been a big learning curve so far, but I really enjoy each day and, now I am building up experience on site, I’m keen to progress more. It really is an interesting sector to be involved in,” Kate concluded.
Having worked in positions where I was responsible for coordinating and managing repairs and maintenance for several years, moving into retrofit presented a new challenge. It is a crucial part of the retrofit process as we must evidence the full process from pre- to post-installation and lodge this with TrustMark, which is a requirement of all government-funded schemes, and this really interested me.”
