Driving down emissions in social housing

The residential housing sector is currently responsible for almost 30% of the UK’s carbon emissions – which is largely due to inefficient building fabric and the costs involved in improving this. Low carbon energy generation and improved building fabric can reduce heating and electricity bills considerably. Fabric improvements and efficient appliances alone can save up to 90% on heating bills and 20% on electricity. Adding low carbon or renewable energy generation can help homes achieve the all important net zero emissions target.

The drive to 2050

As the UK wide net zero emissions target of 2050 approaches, there is an understandable drive to improve efficiency and reduce emissions in both social and private homes.

In Scotland, the “EESSH 2020 milestone” where social housing landlords have been encouraged to improve energy efficiency in their housing stock ends in December 2020 however this is likely to be replaced with a new initiative.In England the Clean Growth Strategy aims to improve the energy performance of all social housing to a C rating by 2030. These improvements will not only reduce emissions but will also provide a more affordable and comfortable environment for residents helping to alleviate fuel poverty.

Unlock the funding

Although the capital costs to achieve a lot of the energy reduction measures can be prohibitive, there are various funding options out there. By unlocking these government funds and realising the various other funding pathways available on the market, low carbon energy generation can become financially viable for housing associations:

Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
UK Government scheme obligating larger energy suppliers to fund installation of energy efficiency and heating measures, which reduce fuel bills for households vulnerable to experiencing fuel poverty. Funding for measures delivered to eligible households is accessed through energy companies and their delivery partners.

RHI – Renewable Heat Incentive
Domestic RHI has been extended to 2022 and offers up to 20p/kWh consumed paid to you for up to 20 years.

Help to Heat
Subsidises mains gas connections for households that meet certain criteria relating to fuel poverty risk. This can include connections carried out by independent gas transporters.

Green Homes Grant
The Government have released a new voucher based scheme to help fund energy saving improvements to homes such as cavity insulation, double glazing, boilers and heat pumps. Each home can get a voucher from between £1000 and £10,000 from September 2020 following successful application.

How we can help

With the Boxfish team’s combined experience in energy efficiency, utilities and energy management in both residential and non residential properties we are well positioned to help your business achieve energy savings. Site wide or building specific audits, data analysis, renewable or low carbon technology feasibility studies and funding availability assessments are just a handful of the services Boxfish can offer.

If this is of interest to your team, Boxfish are here to help you understand how you can unlock the available funding opportunities. Contact us today on 0141 226 8525 to discuss your current housing stock and where we may be able to help.

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