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Net Zero Carbon Social Housing Is Achievable

The task of upgrading millions of poorly insulated and fossil fuel-heated homes to full net zero carbon status looks daunting. But while there are big decisions to be made about how the nationwide programme will be funded and organised, we shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that the expertise and technology needed already exists.

This matters because the climate emergency isn’t going away. We are already seeing an increase in extreme weather events around the world. And some experts are starting to question whether we have underestimated the impact of existing man-made climate change.

Fuel Poverty

At the level of individual properties, we will also see more people struggling with the rising cost of heating their home effectively. Fortunately, for an individual home the zero carbon upgrade process is straightforward and deliverable, as you can see in this short Whole House Retrofit video.

It starts with a survey to understand how the house is constructed and its current energy performance. From the survey we can identify the thermal insulation upgrades that will be feasible and cost-effective – and which renewable energy sources would be most appropriate.

Following the survey we can identify the post-upgrade energy efficiency of the home and the renewable energy input that will be needed to run it.

The Net Zero Upgrade Process

Upgrading the energy performance of a home comprises the following steps:

  1. Insulate floors to reduce heat loss, which could mean installing insulation into the void below suspended floors.
  2. Upgrade the insulation of roof spaces.
  3. Add external, internal or cavity insulation to walls.
  4. Improve doors and windows to boost thermal insulation and eliminate draughts.
  5. Fit renewable heating and controlled ventilation systems.
  6. Update lighting systems.

The result of the process is a home that is more comfortable, cheaper to heat and with the capability to emit zero CO2 to the atmosphere. We know from experience that this goal is fully achievable.

In social housing, the main issues are how to scale up this approach, organise supply chains, educate and inform residents about the process and benefits, and integrate the upgrade programme into the wider asset management strategy. These are also problems that we know how to solve.

Find out more about Osborne’s Carbon Neutral Solutions by visiting our resource centre or contact Nick Davidge ([email protected]).

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