Our client is renowned for creating high-quality, energy-efficient retirement communities designed to support independence and comfort for residents. Their developments combine design with practical, low-maintenance living. This aligns strongly with the growing demand for sustainable new build housing across the UK.
In retirement living, energy efficiency has a direct impact on residents’ cost of living. According to our client, over 58% of existing dwellings have poor energy performance, whereas new builds offer significantly better insulation, heating systems and running costs. By integrating renewables at the build stage, our client is helping residents reduce their bills while supporting their wider ESG goals.
This project also reflects the wider policy environment. With the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) and other government funding programmes driving low-carbon upgrades, developers and operators have strong incentives to act quickly. PSDS funding must be allocated and spent by 31 March 2026, creating a clear deadline for many projects. Where grant funding isn’t available, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) offer a cost-effective alternative to install renewables with no upfront capital.
Our Approach
For this scheme, Carbon3 designed and installed a 99.150 kWp solar PV system on the flat roof of the new retirement community.
Retirement living sites have particular requirements, as the design must be discreet, efficient and safe, and the installation must be carried out with minimal impact on residents, staff and contractors. To meet this, our in-house design team worked closely with our client’s architects, planning team and construction partners from an early stage to ensure the array was optimised for maximum performance without compromising the building’s aesthetic or practical function.
We coordinated directly with site management to schedule works around build phases, avoiding clashes with other contractors and ensuring the system was commissioned in line with project milestones. Our experience delivering on live, sensitive sites such as hospitals, schools and social housing meant we understood the need for clear communication, careful planning and minimal disruption.
Health, Safety and Quality Assurance
At Carbon3, health and safety is central to every project we deliver. All installation teams are DBS checked, fully trained, and directly employed, ensuring consistency of standards on site.
We implement strict H&S procedures, including:
- Comprehensive site-specific risk assessments and method statements (RAMS)
- Full PPE and safe working at height procedures
- Close coordination with principal contractors and site management
- Compliance with CDM regulations and all relevant British Standards
This structured approach means our partners can trust us to work safely and efficiently, even in complex or sensitive environments such as retirement communities, healthcare settings or social housing schemes.
Results & Benefits
- 99.150 kWp solar PV installed on a new retirement living development in Exeter.
- Saving over £23,000 per year for the community
- System designed to maximise performance while integrating seamlessly with the building fabric.
- Reduced energy costs and improved EPC ratings, supporting sustainability and ESG goals.
- Clean, renewable energy supply that helps future-proof the development against rising energy prices.
- Installation carried out with minimal disruption and in full compliance with site safety requirements.
Funding & Delivery Options
While this project was funded directly by the developer, many organisations choose to access PSDS or SHDF funding to support renewable installations. For those who don’t have grant access, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) are a flexible alternative. This allows organisations to benefit from on-site renewable generation with no upfront capital costs, paying only for the clean electricity generated.
Why This Matters for Developers and Operators
For new build and retirement living projects, renewable energy integration reduces energy bills for residents and operators. For our client it strengthens ESG and sustainability credentials, as well as improving EPC ratings and future-proofing the asset.
Carbon3 is delivering projects like this across the UK through a range of public sector frameworks and direct commercial contracts. If you have a retirement living, healthcare or new build site in planning or under construction, our team can help with design, delivery and long-term O&M to support your net zero goals.
Get in touch to arrange a desktop survey or no-obligation project review.
