Content and article source: Project Scotland
GLASGOW-based GMG Contractors is approaching the end of a nine-month project to install transformative insulated render systems on around 150 residences in the city’s Pollok area.
The external wall insulation upgrades will provide a healthier living environment, lower energy bills, and environmental benefits for privately owned and Registered Social Landlord (RSL) properties.
The Scottish Government grant funded Heat in Buildings: Area Based Scheme (HiBs: ABS) programme was awarded by Glasgow City Council: Neighbourhood, Regeneration, and Sustainability Services, Housing Services, Affordable Warmth Team with the aim of making homes in the city warmer and more energy efficient. The work will also support Scotland’s wider net zero ambitions.
Through the programme, homeowners and qualifying private landlords had the opportunity to participate with significant financial assistance from the Scottish Government to install the energy efficient measures.
The local RSL, Wheatley Homes Glasgow, took up this opportunity for a small number of their social rented properties.
GMG, which specialises in refurbishments and retrofit works, revealed the work has been completed to PAS 2035 standards, where reasonably practical, with careful consideration given to the unique requirements of each property.
The firm was responsible for coordinating participating sign-ups to the programme in partnership with Glasgow City Council, Home Energy Scotland, and the Wise Group.
Quantity surveyor Daniel McGinn told Project Scotland that one of the initial challenges was convincing eligible homeowners that the programme wasn’t too good to be true! For a small contribution, they were able to have upwards of £10,000 worth of grant funded work carried out. GMG embarked on a consultation campaign and hosted local community events to explain what the project entailed. Once the first couple of properties were completed, momentum grew and almost 150 homes have now been upgraded.
Daniel said, “Feedback has been positive. External wall insulation helps to reduce bills by retaining heat in the properties. It also improves the health and wellbeing of those living in the homes and provides a significant carbon reduction.
“Aesthetically, the properties are also enhanced. Homeowners were given the choice between render types, so they had an active role in choosing what colour they wanted.”
GMG has had a site manager, assistant site manager, and two liaison officers based at the site throughout the works. The company, which is passionate about apprenticeships and promoting construction careers to young people, also used the project as an opportunity to educate local school pupils about the industry.
Third year pupils from Saint Paul’s High School in Pollok visited the site earlier this year to witness the work taking place and learn about all the trades which need to come together to make a project a success, as well as the different routes available into the sector. The visit coincided with the programme’s halfway mark, which meant they had the opportunity to see both the preparation and the finished product.
Daniel added, “From our inception 35 years ago, GMG has trained hundreds of young people. Many of them are now in senior roles within our company, while others have gone on to set up businesses for themselves.”
Michael Buskie, Project Officer, Affordable Warmth Team at Glasgow City Council, said project delivery is now heading towards successful completion because of close partnership working between all relevant stakeholders. He commented, “Glasgow City Council’s area-based scheme programme provides an opportunity for qualifying privately owned properties to participate in energy efficiency improvement works to support the decarbonisation of their homes, reducing fuel poverty, and improve health and wellbeing.
“The Scottish Government’s Area Based Scheme (ABS) grant funded programme in the Kempsthorn, Pollok area provided an opportunity to install energy efficiency measures through implementing a ‘fabric first’ external wall insulation approach.
“Glasgow City Council successfully appointed GMG Contractors Ltd following a competitively tendered Scotland Excel and GCC procurement process. GMG’s delivery team were very proactive from the start of the programme in early 2024 by promoting and engaging with the residents in the area, providing contractor newsletters, door-to-door home visits, residents ‘meet the team’ community presentations, and inviting pupils from Saint Paul’s R.C. High School for a site introduction with question & answer session and short quiz at the end.
“As a result of GMG’s professionalism and hands-on engagement, the ‘fabric first’ programme achieved maximisation of participant uptake. GMG’s delivery team attended regular site progress meetings, provided comprehensive contractor progress reports and spend, site activities, reporting unforeseen challenges with excellent communication and customer handling skills.”
