How can housing associations improve their carbon emissions? Social housing needs to take a holistic view to becoming more energy efficient. There are several facets to consider, from minimizing direct emissions (like burning gas boilers in homes) to improving insulation and considering peripheral emissions (vehicles in their fleets).

According to the National Housing Federation, every fossil fuel heating system requires to be powered by net-zero energy sources. Many existing houses have insufficient insulation that makes it harder to utilize clean heat sources effectively. Therefore, another aspect of increasing sustainability means equipping pre-existing social accommodation with the adequate construction and appliances to make the transition to clean heat.

In addition to this, associations need to be able to report their sustainability metrics effectively to monitor their progress towards net-zero targets. Previously, sustainability reporting was not consistent across the sector. However, as of November 2021, a new Sustainability Reporting Standard for social housing was introduced, allowing associations to regularly report their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics. 

According to ESG Social Housing, “most financial institutions are assessing the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance of their investments in social and affordable homes”.

Associations can steadily improve sustainability in social housing through a series of measures to reduce emissions tracked and monitored by ESG reporting. However, the industry has suffered setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a slow transition to digital processes.

In order to reach the target of sustainable housing, associations need to leverage technology and data to support and manage their resources effectively. This means that innovating across all operational areas such as property management, maintenance, repairs is key. An effective digital transformation strategy prioritizes data to enable greater efficiency and to reduce backlogs, bringing properties up to a suitable environmental standard more quickly.