Working with two other Hertfordshire-based housing associations, we have launched our first joint sustainability initiative to boost our homes’ energy efficiency and reduce our carbon footprint.
The ‘Greener Herts’ partnership of B3Living, settle and Watford Community Housing have just started surveying all their 20,000 homes to find out which properties need extra insulation.
Their findings will help the housing providers plan where they need to invest in installing additional loft and wall insulation, to maximise their homes’ energy efficiency and save residents money on their fuel bills.
Greener Herts has teamed up with energy-saving specialists WarmFront to survey the homes, using thermal imaging equipment to show the heat used in each property and how much is lost through external walls.
They have teamed up with energy-saving specialists WarmFront to survey the homes, using thermal imaging equipment to show the heat used in each property and how much is lost through external walls.
The survey, which will be carried out over the next few weeks, is the first major project by Greener Herts since the partnership was formed at the end of last year.
Getting our homes to use less energy is the only way forward. It is about protecting our environment, but we're also conscious that energy bills are rising to levels people can't manage. By scanning our homes and finding out where we need more insulation, we can tackle both issues at once, for long-term benefits.
We have a strategic goal to be net-zero carbon by 2030. With that in mind, I'm very pleased to see the Greener Herts partnership starting to forging ahead with initiatives like this.
Steve Woodcock, chief executive
The partnership with Warmfront will also allow the housing associations to access ECO (Energy Company Obligation) funding to help pay for energy efficiency improvements to their homes.
Alex Hearn, Director of WarmFront, said: “We are delighted to be working with B3 Living, settle and Watford Community Housing through the Greener Herts partnership, to improve the thermal efficiency of their homes across Hertfordshire.
This is a fantastic partnership and we look forward to working together to help keep homes as warm and cost-effective as possible.”
The three housing providers appointed a joint sustainability lead, John Swinney, last November to continue their collaborative approach and drive forward their commitment to reducing their overall carbon footprint.
As well as improving their homes’ energy efficiency, their plans include using more environmentally friendly construction techniques and adopting more sustainable ways of working.