Boosting Energy Efficiency in a Charity Workspace | Bedford

Background: In 2022, Kirkby Diamond conducted a dilapidations assessment on behalf of CVS Bedfordshire; a charity which enables local organisations and communities to make a real difference in Bedfordshire. The objective was to identify potential liabilities relating to disrepair and reinstatement in anticipation of a possible lease exit. This assessment enabled CVS to make informed decisions for long-term financial planning.

Implementation of Identified Repairs: Following the assessment, CVS re-engaged Kirkby Diamond to address specific items highlighted in the schedule. These included:

•    Roof, flashing, gutter, and valley repairs
•    Remediation of cracking across various parts of the property

Kirkby Diamond developed a comprehensive works specification and managed the tender process to ensure best value. Once works commenced on site, the Kirkby Diamond team provided full project oversight, ensuring the repairs were delivered on time, to a high standard and within the agreed budget.

Energy Efficiency Upgrades: In 2025, CVS secured a government grant aimed at improving energy efficiency across their premises. Due to challenges in sourcing reliable contractors, CVS appointed Kirkby Diamond to manage the tender process and oversee the on-site delivery of energy efficiency upgrades, which included:

•    Installation of boiler management systems
•    Application of heating system additives

Though relatively minor in nature, these improvements were projected to significantly lower ongoing energy costs of the property - freeing up resources that could be redirected to the charity’s main service offering.
All works were carefully scheduled to minimise disruption to building users. Through a detailed understanding of the site’s usage and proactive contractor coordination, noisy and disruptive activities were completed outside of peak operational hours. The boiler management systems, for example, were installed entirely outside of normal working hours to avoid any service interruptions.

Martin Trinder, CVS Bedfordshire commented: “Kirkby Diamond has supported CVS Bedfordshire, a local charity, for a number of years. We manage a community-focused building in Bedford, providing meeting rooms and office space to eight charities and numerous voluntary sector organisations throughout the year.
As a small charity, we rely on trusted property expertise, and having a dedicated contact at Kirkby Diamond made all the difference - professional, responsive, and truly supportive of the charity sector.”