Regenda protects residents from climate change

Published by Lucy Bradwell for The Regenda Group in Housing and also in Communities, Environment

North West housing provider Regenda is one of the first registered social landlords in the UK to commission a climate change adaptation risk assessment to make sure that residents and properties are protected in the future.

 “It is likely that as our climate changes we will begin to experience more episodes of extreme weather including flooding, high winds and heatwaves.  By undertaking this risk assessment we have been able to identify actions which we can take to protect our residents and homes,” explained Sarah Thomas, Environment Officer at Regenda.

Andrew Eagles, Managing Director of Sustainable Homes, which developed the SHIFT Index, a sustainability benchmark added, “Our climate is changing. This puts our homes at increased risk of weather related events.  Better understanding these risks and preparing residents for them can reduce damage and costs.  This is why SHIFT members asked for adaptation to be a central part of the SHIFT independent environmental assessment.  Regenda has shown significant foresight in considering these risks and preparing for them.”

Regenda’s property services team worked with the Environment Agency to identify the flood risk to all of its properties across the North West.  A small proportion of homes in Lancashire are in the highest flood risk area.  Residents and staff in these areas are now being given advice from the Environment Agency on how to minimise damage in the event of flooding. Properties with high flood risk have been highlighted so that opportunities to fit flood resistance measures during other scheduled work can be identified.

The assessment also highlighted the risk of damage from falling trees caused by high winds during bad weather.  A tree mapping survey has been commissioned and a tree management policy is being developed which will minimize this risk.  Each tree will be categorised according to risk and remediation work will be undertaken when necessary.

Increased temperatures and heatwaves are predicted to occur more frequently as a result of climate change.  This presents a significant risk for vulnerable groups, such as those in sheltered accommodation.  Regenda is now raising awareness of the issue amongst scheme managers to provide advice on actions which can be taken when a heatwave is forecast, including making sure that cool drinks are always available and ensuring that at least one room within the scheme remains cool.

Regenda works to make the North West a better place.