Climate crisis: collegiate thinking essential to futureproof our homes

By Andrew Shott, Finance Director at Co-Ownership

Climate change is happening, and we all agree that action is required sooner rather than later to address this challenge. Yet, whilst we all recognise there is a role we should play, do we really understand what we can do about ‘net zero’ and ‘carbon neutral’?

Alarmingly, in October last year, The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) cited in its report ‘Climate change and the environment – consumer understanding of environmental claims’ that terms like these have very little resonance with consumers, largely as there is very little consensus as to their meaning.

Consumers understand there is an emergency – but don’t know what to do about it, and frankly, amid the ongoing high cost of living, people are dealing with more pressing short-term issues. Changes that require financial investment – investing in an electric vehicle or installing renewable energy sources – remain unattainable for the majority. And so, people switch off, but the challenge persists.

Residential homes are responsible for 14 per cent of all carbon emissions in Northern Ireland, and it’s clear that the housing sector needs to take on the responsibility together to educate, inform and support homeowners on what they can do to reduce the impact their home may have on climate change.

Figures released by DAERA in June reveal that there was a 5 per cent rise in emissions in 2021 from 2020. Furthermore, the primary method of heating homes in Northern Ireland is still through oil (68 per cent) or gas central heating (26 per cent). That’s a staggering 94 per cent reliance on fossil fuels.

We can’t expect this to change overnight – but collegiate thinking can take us forward. Let’s think of the stakeholders involved: government departments, local councils, the Housing Executive, housing associations, property developers, private landlords…the list goes on. Imagine if all were aligned on energy consumption and performance, imagine if there was direction and incentives to futureproof properties by making them more energy efficient?

At Co-Ownership, we recently launched our Climate Change Strategic Response. It will outline how we aim to support Northern Ireland’s Climate Change Act 2022 which commits to a 100 per cent reduction in emissions by 2050, and 48 per cent by 2030.

With a share in over 10,000 homes across the province and supporting up to 10 per cent of all first-time buyer transactions every year, we are aware of the role we need to play.

We have undertaken a detailed analysis of all our properties to capture their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings to better understand our housing stock and where improvements can be made. Our Energy Audit concluded that of the 8,168 homes audited thus far, 4261 are energy efficient and rated grade A, B or C. We’ve learned that when it comes to improving EPC ratings small changes could be the missing link in making a big difference.

We are investing in training our teams on energy awareness to help customers understand the changes they could make to their homes, and are training a Domestic Energy Assessor who will visit customers province-wide. Our inaugural Energy Saving week will take place from 23rd – 27th October during which the focus will be on education around energy saving.

As a key player in Northern Ireland’s affordable housing landscape, we’re engaged with a variety of stakeholders across the sector to help align thinking on the road ahead. We’re confident that with continued leadership and collaboration, homeowners can be supported and incentivised to make the necessary changes to their homes and contribute positively to the future of Northern Ireland.