Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The project for Hanover Housing was to replace windows and doors to housing schemes in their Eastern and Thames regions, to ensure that their customers living there today were catered for along with those in the future. The specification for the works was discussed with the client against an awareness of environmental, social and economic limitations.

By using Astraseal to carry out the works, this enabled Hanover to procure works from an ISO14001 registered company as a direct award through the LHC. Rehau PVCu window profiles were used as they have excellent thermal properties and can achieve high levels of energy efficiency. With an expected life of 35 years and the capability of recycling all PVCu parts at the end of their service, this plays a significant part in delivering a reliable and sustainable future.

Rehau PVCu window and door systems are very low maintenance containing a unique compound resulting in a smooth gloss finish, guaranteeing that they will remain in pristine appearance. This means they will never warp, rot or need re-painting. Double glazed units were also upgraded using Pilkington KS glass and war edge spacer bar to give an improved U value of 1.4W/m²K leading to lower energy bills for the resident, both now and for the life span of the windows and doors.

The LHC arrangement is pre-tendered in accordance with OJEU regulations and gives a legal and ethical framework in which to procure work. As it is pre-tendered this gave Hanover the ability to do away with the expensive and time consuming tender process saving money and administration costs along with the contractor’s tender costs. This allowed an immediate start on the project to liaise with residents. Meetings were held at each of the schemes to discuss with the residents their needs and aspirations for the work.

Challenging aspects of the project was the planning of resources and materials to meet the residents and clients aspirations of completing the eleven different locations in an agreed time period. These were programmed individually with the scheme managers and resources were planned over a 20 week period to ensure workers were in the right place at the right time. This enabled us to meet each resident’s individual needs and arrive on the day specified. As a result exceptionally high customer satisfaction scores were received.

All parties involved with the project were consulted, the client, the contractor, the scheme managers and the resident end users. All parties met on site to discuss each schemes individual needs and if any changes needed to be made. Common issues that were improved upon were the following.

Window designs were amended to ensure a clear view from seated positions, where possible.

Means of operation of opening windows and doors were improved for ease of use. Such as low handle heights or extended handles.

Door locking mechanisms were used that offered easier operation for the residents and key extenders were issued to all residents as standard. Through the LHC pricing framework any amendments could then be calculated and costed accordingly to give the client value for money and ensure any variations were priced economically. Full LHC audits took place on all schemes and enabled the client to receive a saving on the tendered rates.

We carried out a full customer satisfaction survey at the end of the project for each of the schemes and the scores were as follows:

Great Palmers Hemel Hempstead Returns 55% Satisfaction 94%
Josselyns Court, Bury St Edmunds Returns 79% Satisfaction 100%
Felaw Street, Ipswich Returns 88% Satisfaction 100%
Mais Court, Ipswich Returns 100% Satisfaction 100%
Hanover Court, Kings Lynn Returns 93% Satisfaction 96%
Hanover Court, Milton Keynes Returns 70% Satisfaction 100%
Camberley Court, Bury St Edmunds Returns 55% Satisfaction 100%
Warde Chase, Walton on Thames Returns 50% Satisfaction 100%
Park Lane, Hornchurch Returns 58% Satisfaction 97%
hanover Gardens, Braintree Returns 100% Satisfaction 100%
Maddison Close, Teddington Returns 55% Satisfaction 98%

We have developed this approach to other LHC members, by having a more collaborative approach to contracts, ensuring that all parties are included in the decision making process to ensure the end user gets the product that they want and deserve.

The direct award process is the instigator to this, as it allows early decisions to be made, with assurances that all tender processes have been met.

With the LHC audit system to check everything the client is being charged this gives confidence to all parties involved. As a result most of the work we now carry out with the LHC is through the Direct Award system.