Gemma Brookes, Project Surveyor and Retrofit Coordinator at Orbit has been appointed to the Board of The Sustainable Housing Action Partnership (SHAP).
SHAP is a not-for-profit organisation comprising an independent network of housing sector innovators and leaders, who work to accelerate the delivery and impact of net zero, by leading and promoting best practice on the environmental, social and economic aspects of sustainable housing.
Since joining Orbit in 2021, Gemma has qualified as a retrofit coordinator, retrofit assessor and BREEAM associate. Alongside her role as a Project Surveyor, Gemma is studying a part time masters in Low Energy Building Services Engineering at Loughborough University. Gemma has been instrumental in Orbit’s successful Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) Demonstrator, Wave 1 and Wave 2 bids, providing energy modelling and medium-term plans for Orbit properties focusing on creating low carbon, energy efficient homes for customers.
Gemma commented: “I am absolutely delighted to be appointed to SHAP’s board. Collaboration is key to making progress on our collective journey to Net Zero, so its wonderful to be part of such a diverse organisation that is focused on sharing best practice to enable a solution driven approach. I look forward to using my knowledge and experience to help not only make a difference to people by making their homes more energy efficient, but also to the environment by creating carbon reducing strategies.”
Ellie Horwitch-Smith, Chair of SHAP added: "We are delighted that Gemma has joined the SHAP board. Gemma brings a wealth of knowledge about decarbonisation strategies, as well as first-hand experience in leading retrofit programmes, all of which will add valuable expertise to SHAP's experienced board. Gemma's appointment to SHAP's board is particularly timely as SHAP looks forward to 2024, building on the success of SHAP's 'From Plan to Performance - Scaling Retrofit' conference, with a series of programmes that will serve to promote collaboration and strengthen the sustainable housing sector in the Midlands and beyond.”
For more information about the work of SHAP visit: https://shap.uk.com/