Housing managers and residents 'key to cutting carbon emissions'

The actions of housing managers and their residents will be key to cutting carbon emissions from UK homes, which account for 27 per cent of the nation’s total emissions, according to new work from the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH).

CIH members, who look after more than four million affordable homes and their residents throughout the UK, need to understand the link between housing and the environment in order to influence how properties are refurbished and managed and how a change in attitude to energy usage amongst staff and residents can bring about substantial benefits.

A new book, Housing, the Environment and Our Changing Climate, launched today at the CIH Annual Conference and Exhibition in Harrogate will lay the foundations for a change in attitude, so that everyone involved in housing will recognise the urgency of making our homes fit for the future.

Sarah Webb, CIH Chief Executive said: "Making our homes more energy efficient and lessening their impact on the environment is one of the most valuable steps that can be taken in order to help the UK meet its target for reducing carbon emissions by a minimum of 60% by the year 2050.

"We urge government to create a green homes target for our existing housing stock and launch a long-term programme, similar in approach to the successful Decent Homes initiative.

"It was the CIH who first identified the staggering £19 billion backlog of council house repairs in the 1990s and it was a truly daunting challenge. If we start work now we can have a compelling case ready for the next spending review.

"By working together to tackle carbon emissions from existing housing we have the possibility to leave an even bigger legacy for the nation."