Climate change research

18 March 2019 AdobeStock_67660229-web-(1).jpg

We've been sharing best practice with other housing associations as part of an industry-wide research project into climate change.

Our Energy and Environment team was consulted on their long-term strategy and use of renewable technologies during Sustainable Home's roundtable discussions for ‘Housing 2050’.

The project has come as a result of the Paris Agreement, which asks businesses to take more environmental responsibility - especially when it comes to CO2 emissions.

The agreement states a major reduction in CO2 emissions is needed by 2050 in order to prepare for the worst effects of climate change.

Diana Lock, Head of Energy and Environment, said: “We have a responsibility to ensure our new and existing homes are adapted to buffer the negative impacts of climate change.

Optivo was one of seven major housing associations asked to take part in roundtable discussions and focus groups. We were pleased to be able to share some of the practices we have already implemented – including energy retrofits and the use of innovative technologies.

We are leading the way when it comes to environmental initiatives and we’re really proud of that. But there’s still a lot of work to do to reach targets.”

The research concluded that there were lots of examples where landlords had carried out work to help make the UK’s social housing stock more energy efficient.

But a large-scale drive is needed to achieve targets that have been set for 2050. If housing associations adopt a ‘business as usual’ approach, the targets for carbon reduction are unlikely to be met.

Read the full research report.