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Improve energy efficiency of social housing stock to boost COVID-19 recovery, says CIH
Making existing social housing stock more energy efficient can be a key aspect of the government’s economic recovery the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a briefing from the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH).
In a briefing produced in co-ordination with Orbit Group, the CIH argued that boosting investment in decarbonising social housing stock could generate thousands of jobs while achieving the government’s aim of reducing carbon emissions.
In 2019, the government changed the law to aim for a “net-zero carbon” economy by 2050, which has implications for the housing sector including building new homes that are net-zero carbon, retrofitting existing homes to improve energy efficiency and decarbonisation other aspects of landlords’ businesses such as vehicle fleets.
The CIH and Orbit noted that housing is a major contributor to the UK’s carbon emissions as 14% of emissions come directly from energy used in building homes and living in them.
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The briefing highlighted government projects, such as the £2bn Green Homes Grant and the £50m social housing retrofit programme aimed at improving the performance of buildings, but warned that these alone will not be enough.
“Ways must be found to lever in private finance, stimulate the market and drive action from the banks,” the briefing said.
Gavin Smart, chief executive of the CIH, said: “We have a duty to do what we can, together with government, to lower our carbon emissions through building new homes and retrofitting our existing housing stock. Not only is this good for the planet but creating more energy efficient housing is good for residents’ health and their finances.
“Creating a greener country is also an excellent way to boost our economy, making sure homes are at the heart of recovery from the pandemic. Together with a coalition of partners and over 60 supporting organisations, we’re calling for a once-in-a-generation investment in social housing.”
Mark Hoyland, group chief executive of Orbit, said: “Tackling climate change is probably the biggest challenge the world faces. UK social landlords have a fundamental role to play in reducing the environmental impact that arises from building and maintaining homes. To do this takes strong partnerships with government, the supply chain, residents and funders.”
