Youth charity is seeking EPC improvement advice for its housing portfolio

What do they need help with?

Rock Trust is looking to improve the energy performance of its residential property portfolio as part of its commitment to providing safe, affordable and sustainable homes for young people.

As a landlord, the organisation must meet increasing energy efficiency standards. At the same time, it is focused on reducing energy costs for residents, ensuring young people can live in warm homes with lower utility bills—supporting financial stability and long-term independence.

The charity is seeking pro bono support to provide initial consultation and scoping advice on how to improve EPC ratings across its properties. This includes identifying the most cost-effective upgrade measures and developing practical plans for implementation.

Currently, Rock Trust’s portfolio includes a small number of properties rated EPC band E, the majority at band D, and a smaller proportion at band C. The immediate priority is to ensure all properties reach at least band D, while also exploring opportunities to improve ratings further and enhance overall energy efficiency.

Support is sought to:

• Assess current EPC performance and identify priority improvements
• Recommend cost-effective retrofit and energy efficiency measures
• Advise on upgrading properties with minimal disruption to residents
• Support planning and phasing of improvement works
• Provide insight into best practice and compliance with evolving standards

Rock Trust would benefit from partners able to offer strategic advice and, where possible, visit properties to assess improvement opportunities. This support will play a key role in strengthening the quality and sustainability of homes provided to young people.

By improving EPC ratings, Rock Trust aims to reduce energy costs, improve living conditions, and future-proof its housing portfolio—ensuring young people are better equipped to move forward with stability and confidence.

Timeline

As soon as possible

About the organisation

Rock Trust is Scotland’s leading youth homelessness charity, working to ensure that no young person is without a safe place to call home. The organisation supports young people aged 16–25 to avoid, resolve and move on from homelessness, helping them build the skills, confidence and stability needed for adulthood.

In 2023–24, Rock Trust supported 1,129 young people across eight local authority areas. Their services include housing support, counselling, employability programmes and access to safe accommodation through initiatives such as Youth Housing Hubs and Housing First for Youth.

Youth homelessness remains a critical issue in Scotland, with around 7,500 young people presenting as homeless each year—around 25% of all applications. Many more remain hidden, living in unsafe or unstable conditions. Rock Trust works at both a service delivery and national policy level, influencing systems and standards to create long-term change and ensure no young person is left behind.

http://www.rocktrust.org