Tŷ Gwyrddfai

Tŷ Gwyrddfai is a unique partnership between Adra, Bangor University, and Grŵp Llandrillo Menai. This first of its kind decarbonisation hub brings together housing, further and higher education in a groundbreaking collaboration. It features an operational climate-controlled research facility to test new housing products (both internal and external) and provide scientific validation for products already on the market. The hub also upskills Adra and local SME’s with the latest green skills to support the Welsh Government and UK Government’s ambitious retrofit programme. With esteemed strategic sponsors like Travis Perkins, Saint Gobain, and Nuaire, this project stands out as truly unique.

One of the challenges Adra has encountered is the need for continuous innovation and adaptation to new technologies and materials. The expansion of Tŷ Gwyrddfai is central to addressing this challenge, as it will champion innovation in new products and technologies. Adra anticipates challenges related to scaling up these initiatives and ensuring that all homes meet the Welsh Housing Quality Standards 2023 and achieve a minimum EPC C rating by March 2030 for all Adra homes. This would not be possible without the strong partnership between all three partners. Adra supplies the houses and workforce, Bangor University is developing and testing new decarbonisation products and Grŵp Llandrillo Menai's business arm Business@LlandrilloMenai delivers the continuous training. To date, Tŷ Gwyrddfai has trained 824 trades people from Adra and the local supply chain in retrofit and green skills.

Academi Adra is an initiative that offers employment and skills development opportunities for Adra’s tenants, strengthening a culture of learning and growth within the community. It's recognised for its significant contributions to national housing and community development and to date has seen 173 participants take part.

The Tendra project in 2024 supported 20 local construction businesses in bidding for contracts, to establish long-term sustainability. Tendra is an innovative project funded by Arfor and operated directly out of Tŷ Gwyrddfai. Tendra offered training sessions on procurement, social value, accreditations, health and safety, and job pricing. The aim was to support the local economy and keep local contractors in work locally.

Ffrâm24 is an all-Wales framework established by Adra for the supply of building materials and associated products. This initiative demonstrates Adra's commitment to sustainability and supporting local economies. The project boasts a robust supply chain that fully supports Tŷ Gwyrddfai and Adra’s retrofit work, contributing to the Net Zero goal. Impressively, 79.5% of suppliers are based in Wales, reinforcing the circular economy by supporting Welsh manufacturing and supply chains. Additionally, Ffrâm24 collaborates with supply chains to gather data on Scope 3 emissions, ensuring comprehensive environmental impact assessments for organisations.

Tŷ Gwyrddfai is also a busy events venue, with its location in central Gwynedd being a convenient meeting point for many. In 2024, 35 external events related to decarbonisation took place. It offers state of the art audiovisual packages, a dedicated events team and various room setups.