You are viewing 1 of your 1 free articles
Three-quarters of housing associations drawing up net zero plans, says NHF
Almost three-quarters of housing associations in England are formulating plans to achieve net zero carbon by 2050, according to research by the National Housing Federation (NHF).
A survey of 79 housing associations in England, released today, found that 66% of respondents are in the process of drawing up a plan to hit the stretching target, while 8% have already done so.
The NHF noted that the government’s aim to make the UK carbon neutral by 2050 will not be met unless the country’s existing housing stock is made more efficient, with homes contributing roughly a fifth of all greenhouse gas emissions in the country.
Despite progress on drawing up plans, housing associations remain concerned about the scale of the retrofitting challenge, believing that the main barriers to decarbonisation are funding and financing followed by uncertainty over government policy.
READ MORE
Exclusive research by Inside Housing last month showed that the cost of retrofitting social housing in the UK could reach £100bn.
The NHF said that schemes such as the Green Homes Grant and the £3.8bn Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund are welcome but that associations should be able to bid for them directly, rather than as part of a local authority-led bid.
Rob Wall, head of policy at the NHF, said: “Housing associations are passionate about cutting their carbon footprint and making their homes greener and warmer for residents.
“They are motivated by the economic, social and scientific benefits that decarbonisation delivers.
“But, they are also acutely aware that they are only at the beginning of a complex and challenging journey. We’ve estimated that housing associations will need to retrofit around 2.1 million homes over the next 30 years. To deliver this, we will need a retrofit revolution.
“Housing associations have started to prepare, but can’t do this alone. We need to work in partnership with government – and with residents, local agencies, investors and businesses – if we are to transform our social homes to net zero by 2050.”
Sign up for our asset management newsletter
Already have an account? Click here to manage your newsletters
