We know how important it is to make your homes warmer and more efficient to run.
Some of the things we’ve been working on include adding external wall insulation, fitting solar panels, and installing new radiators to make homes more energy efficient.
We were also able to secure a grant from E.ON, which we used to fit a new kitchen in our homeless hostel, Lucy
Adams House.
Here is some feedback from residents who have had sustainability works done on their home.
- “I can’t fault Louis and Josh, they have both been amazing.”
- “Louis is always on hand if we need him and no job is too much trouble.”
- “Whenever I speak to the team, I am always given clear answers that I can understand. I am grateful for that.”
Here we speak with members of our Sustainability and Delivery team about their roles and their views on the future of sustainability in housing.
Meet Josh, our sustainability and delivery manager
Josh has been with us for three years and here is tells us more about his role.
“My role covers all our planned programme works, things like replacement windows, doors, and roofs, as well as our sustainability projects, including the government funded Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) Warm Homes scheme, insulation works, and renewable energy installations.”
Before joining Havebury, Josh was a self-employed retrofit assessor, working with a number of contractors in the retrofit and energy efficiency sector.
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“One of the things I love most about my job is taking an idea or a concept and turning it into something real. There’s something really rewarding about seeing a project through from start to finish, especially when you hear from residents afterwards about how much the work has benefitted them. Knowing that what we do is genuinely improving people’s lives makes it all worthwhile.”
Josh says the future of sustainability in housing is exciting.
“With so much innovation happening, it’s hard to say exactly what our homes will look like in 20 or 30 years, but I think we’ll see a real shift towards self-sustaining homes.”
“We’ve recently trialled a system in one of our residents’ homes that combines solar panels, an air source heat pump, and an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled hot water tank. The tank learns the resident’s habits, for example, what time they usually shower and how much hot water they use, and only heats the amount needed. The results have been fantastic, with the resident reporting a significant drop in their energy bills and being absolutely thrilled with the outcome.”
Meet Alex, one of our contracts managers
Alex has been a part of the team since June 2025,
“My role involves overseeing a range of projects including repointing, solar and external wall insulation, alongside managing several contractors.”
Before joining Havebury Alex spent 11 years at contractor, Cornerstone, as a site manager.
“That experience has been invaluable, particularly in
coordinating contractors and managing timelines.”
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“The most enjoyable thing about the role is the responsibility to deliver the works on time and to a budget while working with various teams and contractors.”
Talking about the future, Alex says he sees a shift in how homes are built and maintained.
“I expect net zero homes will become the default for new houses, which means a significant focus for us will be finding ways to achieve similar standards across our existing homes.”
Meet Louis, also a contracts manager
Louis joined Havebury three years ago as a trainee surveyor, and has moved up within the organisation to be in his current role.
“I manage contracts under ECO4, which is a government-funded programme. That covers things like solar panels, air-source heat pumps, wall insulation and new heating systems. We’ve also got our own self-funded programme; that’s things like loft and cavity wall insulation and low-energy lighting.”
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“In three and a half years, I’ve gone from trainee to
managing a whole section of work that’s important to the business. That’s down to Havebury supporting me, but also to the hard work I’ve put in. It feels good to know that effort has paid off.”
When asked about his favourite part of the job, the answer comes quickly: “The people. Both the residents and the colleagues I work with. It makes such a difference when everyone’s positive – it really creates a good atmosphere. And with residents, it’s about making a difference.”
Looking ahead, Louis is excited about where
sustainability is heading in housing. “It’s not just about renewables, it’s about making sure the basics are right first, then adding technology on top. We’re already seeing the benefits, with residents saving money and, in some cases, even getting money back. That’s really encouraging.”
Meet Vicky, our resident liaison officer
Vicky joined Havebury earlier this year and she has hit the ground running being involved in sustainability events and working with residents who are having sustainability works done on their homes.
“My focus is always on our residents and making sure they feel happy and supported throughout any improvement works.”
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“I also work closely with our contractors to keep communication smooth and ensure everything is completed to a good standard. Ultimately, it is about helping people get the most out of their home and supporting them as we look to the future of eco-friendly living.”
“My previous role gave me a strong understanding of what many of our residents are facing today. I feel very lucky because it helped me get this role and shaped the way I approach supporting people.”
Vicky says the best part of her role is knowing she has helped someone improve their home, but it’s not without challenges.
“It is incredibly rewarding. The more challenging part is helping people understand the positive impact sustainability works can have. Change can feel daunting, so sometimes it takes time to help everyone see the benefits.”
Talking about the future Vicky says: “It’s all about
making sure our homes are fit for the planet and for the people living in them.”
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