New Research: decarbonising social housing in the North East
New research from Northumbria University, commissioned through the North East England Climate Coalition, provides a ‘state of the region’ update on progress towards decarbonising the North East’s social housing stock. The work was funded by the North East and Yorkshire Energy Hub.
A team led by Richard Watson, from the University’s School of Architecture and the Built Environment, conducted research over Summer 2021 with twenty four organisations across the region asked to provide housing stock data, complete an online survey and take part in interviews. The aim was to assess the current energy performance of the existing social housing stock, explore plans for achieving decarbonisation targets, and assess likely future demand for green products and services.
Data was assembled from organisations representing over half the region’s social housing stock. The team found that the region’s social housing stock was generally better performing than the national average. While decarbonisation targets aligning with national and regional targets had been adopted, providers were still working on housing stock data and developing their investment plans.
In line with other regional and national research, respondents highlighted significant requirements for skills development in order to meet the needs of retrofit. Common challenges cited by providers included funding, supply chain development and tenant engagement.
The research was commissioned by the NHC on behalf of the North East England Climate Coalition’s retrofit workstream; which is led by Paul Fiddaman of Karbon Homes. Funding for the project came from the North East and Yorkshire Energy Hub, which is supported by BEIS and hosted by Tees Valley Combined Authority.
