Making homes more sustainable
In collaboration with Takkenkamp Vastgoed Verduurzamers, the housing association Eigen Haard is executing the project “Samen Verduurzamen” (Sustainable Together). In this project, a home is fully made more sustainable within 5 days, with as little disruption as possible for the residents. Such a project can involve between 20 and 100 homes, and each home requires a wide variety of work. Activities include, among others: insulating and ventilating the home, roof insulation, insulating dormer windows, installing HR++ glazing, sealing draughts, repairing or installing cavity wall insulation, installing mechanical ventilation systems, and fitting self-regulating ventilation grilles in windows. In addition, solar panels can be installed and, if necessary, a new central heating boiler can be fitted. All of this is completed in just five working days.
Challenge
Masters In Lean was engaged by Takkenkamp Vastgoed Verduurzamers to help optimise the planning process. The central question was: how do you efficiently and effectively streamline all these activities carried out by different partners?
In addition to minimising disruption for residents, the aim was also to create a pleasant and workable environment for all involved partners. The work per dwelling could vary significantly, but everything still needed to fit within the overall schedule. For example, in some homes old asbestos pipes had to be removed, while in others this was not applicable.
“Achieving the perfect schedule: a utopia, or actually feasible?”
Solution
In response to this challenge, Masters In Lean organised a working session with all involved parties: the housing association Eigen Haard, Takkenkamp Vastgoed Verduurzamers, and their partners. The goal was to bring everyone together to create a realistic and shared planning for the next project. All stakeholders were involved to ensure that every aspect was considered and all constraints were included. This requires a significant time investment upfront, but addressing this complexity in advance delivers substantial benefits during execution.
In addition to satisfied clients and a successful assignment, Masters In Lean was also able to apply the gained experience in subsequent projects. This fully aligns with the Lean principles of continuous improvement, waste reduction, and creating flow in the process. Ultimately, the goal remains to meet the needs of the end customer.
Results
By now, in collaboration with all parties, six projects have been completed, while the seventh project is currently ongoing. Each project involved the sustainable renovation of 20 to 100 homes. The planning is being executed without any issues, and homes are delivered in accordance with the agreed schedule. Partners are able to maintain a steady flow of work, residents can quickly and peacefully enjoy their newly sustainable homes, and the client is satisfied.
An additional benefit is that the designed working method proved so effective that it continued to function seamlessly during the COVID-19 period. The planning was structured in such a way that there were never too many people working in a home at the same time.
We provide tailor-made solutions focused on results, at all levels of the organization. I would be happy to have a no-obligation conversation with you!
te Plate Managing Partner