Posted 23.08.21
Gov.UK: Further reading
Tens of thousands of people across England are set to benefit from warmer, greener social homes, with social housing providers given the chance to bid for government funding to make major improvements to their stock.
Local authorities and housing associations across England will have the chance to secure a share in a £160 million cash injection, through the government's Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund - set to enhance the energy efficiency of socially rented homes.
Through this first wave of funding, up to 38,000 of the worst energy-performing social housing properties in England - with energy performance certificate (EPC) ratings of D or below - will have the chance to receive vital energy efficiency upgrades.
This is the first wave of funding out of a total £3.8 billion to be spent over a 10-year period on improvements, that will include installation of insulation and more energy efficient doors, windows and heating systems.
With homes accounting for 15% of the UK's carbon emissions, this investment (and others elsewhere) will be important to achieving 2050 climate change targets.
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Posted 17.08.21
Gov.Wales: Further reading
The use of fossil fuels to heat newly built social homes will end from 1st October as the Welsh Government commits to renewable energies and cutting edge technologies in its new build standards.
Homes will need to reach the highest energy efficiency standards to reduce carbon use during build and when inhabited.
As well as sector leading space standards, developers will need to consider recycling and food waste storage under the new rules.
This move underpins the Welsh Government's commitment to build 20,000 high quality, low carbon homes for rent over the next five years. Social housing built with Welsh Government funding will adopt the new standards.
Beyond low carbon targets, the standards also require new properties to be 'gigabit ready' meaning fibre optic broadband or gigabit wireless technology is available, alongside a choice of internet service providers. Where this currently isn't in place, infrastructure to enable future installation without disruption must be provided.
The new standards also favour good design and generous space so people live well within their homes.
Modern methods of construction, such as the use of timber and factory built homes are also championed in the new guidelines.
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Posted 11.08.21
Scottish Government: Further reading
The Scottish Government is making £100 million available over the next 5 years to support social landlords across Scotland to install zero emissions heating systems and energy efficiency measures across their existing stock.
Application form and guidance notes for the Social Housing Net Zero Heat Fund 2021 are now available. Applications can be submitted to the fund at any time - it will remain open until the 2021 funding limit is reached.
The funding invitation for 2021 has a minimum allocation of £20 million to support social housing landlords across Scotland to use energy efficient, zero emissions heating systems.
It is for social housing projects across Scotland that effectively contribute towards the achievement of the Scottish Government's ambitions for Scotland to achieve net zero emissions by 2045.
Funding is for the retrofit or refurbishment of existing housing stock and is not for new build social housing.
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Updated 17.08.21
NLA: The future of hybrid heat networks. As we edge towards a net-zero future, local authorities, housing associations and developers are turning to district heating - or heat networks - to help reduce emissions for larger scale developments.
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