How PfH is helping Grampian deliver decarbonisation at scale

Accelerating net zero: How PfH is helping Grampian deliver decarbonisation at scale

Grampian Housing Association manages over 4,000 homes across North East Scotland and is constantly looking at new ways to cut carbon emissions and tenants’ energy bills. As Scotland moves towards a new net zero standard for social housing, Grampian has taken a proactive approach, using innovative technologies in large‑scale decarbonisation projects. PfH has become a critical partner in this journey, enabling Grampian to procure complex energy efficient works quickly, compliantly and with confidence.

THE PROBLEM

Tight funding windows, complex technologies and the need to cut tenants’ energy bills

Decarbonisation funding in Scotland is notoriously time‑pressured. Once funds have been awarded, social landlords can be left with months to design, procure and deliver major projects. For Grampian, which is known regionally for its readiness to trial the latest low carbon technologies, this created a significant challenge.

The housing association had already completed insulation upgrades across many of its homes, but the next stage – installing energy efficient heating – was complex. The organisation needed to replace ageing gas systems with ground and air source heat pumps and install solar PV and battery technology at scale. This required specialist contractors, rigorous due diligence and rapid mobilisation.

THE SOLUTION

A compliant route to procure innovative works from contractors with shared standards

With funding in place from the Social Housing Net Zero Heat Fund (SHNZHF), Grampian turned to our Decarbonisation and Retrofit Framework and Asset Decarbonisation and Retrofit Solutions Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS). Both procurement routes provided compliant access to pre‑vetted net zero specialists who could begin work fast.

Using the Framework, Grampian replaced 20 gas boilers with three commercial‑sized air source heat pumps. Alongside this, 20kW of solar panels with storage batteries were also installed.

When the housing association went on to secure further SHNZHF support for a ground source communal heating system for 48 houses and flats, our team again enabled rapid procurement.

“Chris McGinn and the team at PfH helped us procure net zero works within incredibly short timescales. They scrutinised the whole project, carried out all the due diligence and made sure we could move quickly. Their expertise was invaluable.”

Chris Hunt, Sustainable Development Officer

PfH also ensured Grampian found expert contractors aligned to its own values. They procured solar PV from Procast – a contractor whose professionalism and tenant‑focused approach have been widely praised.

“One tenant told us she made the installers bacon sarnies because they were so lovely. That level of care matters.”

Chris Hunt, Sustainable Development Officer

THE RESULTS

Lower bills, higher tenant satisfaction and speedy, large‑scale delivery

The impact has been transformative. Since June 2025, Grampian has delivered £1.4 million of ECO4-funded solar PV works, installing panels on 167 homes – something that would have been financially and logistically impossible without PfH’s support.

“For 180 homes, we simply couldn’t have afforded £7,000 per property. Being able to access funding and procure everything quickly through PfH has been a game changer.”

Chris Hunt, Sustainable Development Officer

Tenants are already seeing the benefits. Solar PV and heat pump installations are reducing electricity consumption, with tenants reporting 60% savings on summer bills, and Grampian is now adding storage batteries to unlock further reductions. The upgrades are also driving EPC ratings up to A or B, helping to future‑proof Grampian homes ahead of Scotland’s forthcoming net zero standard.

“This isn’t just about reducing carbon. It’s about giving tenants comfort, control and lower bills. PfH has helped us do that.”

Chris Hunt, Sustainable Development Officer

“Without the access to the PfH Decarbonisation Framework, and the speed that I was able to get contractors on site, I would have missed out on £2 million worth of ECO4 funding. It was only because I could procure quickly and compliantly that I was able to do that.”

Alexander Carle, Direct of Asset Management

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