Minutes 19/08/10 - Coventry Partnership

educe the energy use and carbon footprint of existing properties. Coventry University is involved
to research both the technical impact of each retrofitting technology, and also to research the
behaviour of the household to see how that impacts on energy use.
The property layout has been redesigned; high levels of internal insulation will be fitted, along with
solar hot water and a heat exchange pump. The research should show which methods have the
greatest impact on energy use, and inform future retrofitting schemes.
Discussion:
What is the cost?
SF – This scheme is approximately £100,000. As this
is a pilot, it will inform how best to retrofit other existing
properties, which technologies have the biggest
impact, what should be the first priority items to
replicate in other properties.
Can the costs be recovered through increased rent?
SF – There is a debate about this at Government level.
At the moment, they cannot be recovered through increased rent, as there is a rent formula to
calculate rents for social housing.
Ribbon Court, 689 Foleshill Road – Intercultural Independent Living for Older People
(Ashram Housing Association)
AM gave some background information before
the group was given a tour of the facility by
members of staff:
Ribbon Court is an Intercultural Independent
Living scheme for older people in Foleshill. Each
resident has their own apartment but there are
also communal rooms, a lounge, restaurant and
facilities that can also be used by the local
community. There are 49 apartments, including 4
that are designed for wheelchair users.
There is an extensive activity programme, hairdressers and wellbeing programme, and GP
surgery visits. The main kitchen has been specially designed to include separate areas for meat
and vegetarian foods, and many of the employees are from the local area. Residents of similar
schemes helped to design the colour scheme etc.
Discussion:
How do people qualify for an apartment here?
Residents have to be over 55 and are referred through Social Services. We cater for people with
a range of care needs. We also provided winter pressure spaces.
Is this a permanent home or transitional?
It is designed to be a permanent home, with each person having their own front door and their
own apartment. The care provided can be increased with time if necessary. A resident would only
have to move if they needed specialist palliative care.
Can you explain the description of the scheme as 'intercultural'?
Foleshill is a diverse community and many different ethnic and cultural groups live side by side.
The idea was to continue this within the scheme. There are a variety of activities which reflect
different cultures, and also the staff members have a range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Sampson Close – New Build PassivHaus Development (Orbit Heart of England)
The new development off Sampson Close is under construction and the group went on-site to the
site office. SF gave some background information:
This is the largest development of certified PassivHaus properties so far. Other schemes have
been completed using elements of the passive house concept but have not received official
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