New Government Funding Boosts Low-Carbon Social Housing

Hello, Champions of Net Zero!

In an exciting move toward sustainable housing, Baxi has issued a compelling call to social housing providers to establish comprehensive clean heat strategies for both new builds and refurbishment projects. This plea comes in the wake of recent funding announcements made during the Spring Statement, which aim to bolster the construction of affordable homes across the UK.

The government has committed a substantial £2 billion to support the development of 18,000 new affordable homes, with half of this funding specifically earmarked for social housing initiatives. This investment not only facilitates the construction of new homes but also complements the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund, designed to retrofit existing social housing and enhance energy efficiency. This dual approach reflects a growing recognition of the importance of sustainable living environments, particularly for those in need of affordable housing.

Rob Pearse, the Residential Business Director at Baxi, emphasised the importance of sustainability in the allocation of these funds. He stated, “The £2 billion set aside for social housing in the Spring Statement must be used with sustainability in mind, which includes the long-term comfort and financial security of tenants as well as electrified heating. This can be achieved by working closely with manufacturers who have expertise in the sustainable heating of social housing and a raft of solutions able to match almost any requirements.”

The challenge of delivering clean heat within the social housing sector is not to be underestimated. Baxi is committed to assisting providers from the initial stages of their net zero journey. According to Pearse, “It is important to identify the system that delivers the best efficiency, cost, and environmental results for the building and occupants. Working closely with experts and the wider supply chain can provide the expertise and solutions to do this successfully for both new builds and retrofits.”

One of the standout solutions in the journey towards clean heat is the implementation of air source heat pumps (ASHPs). These systems present a viable path for both new builds and retrofitting existing social housing projects. However, providers face several challenges, including design complexities for retrofits and a shortage of skilled installers. To address these issues, Baxi has developed a comprehensive portfolio of heat pump solutions tailored for both new builds and retrofits, coupled with extensive training, commissioning services, and customer support.

Among the innovative solutions offered by Baxi are new prefabricated pod options designed for both new builds and retrofits. These pods incorporate the ASHP system into a pre-assembled unit, manufactured offsite by Baxi Packaged Solutions (BPS). By utilising Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), these solutions make for a more sustainable approach, significantly speeding up and simplifying the installation process while eliminating the need for major modifications within homes. This innovation ultimately makes low-carbon heating and hot water systems more accessible to social housing providers.

For larger developments and multi-occupancy buildings, Baxi’s expert full-service heat network team stands ready to support the design and implementation of end-to-end solutions tailored to social housing developments. In instances where zoning policies require heat networks to connect to larger systems, consultation with Baxi’s experts can facilitate a smoother integration into the broader network, ensuring that the complexities of these systems do not hinder progress toward decarbonisation.

Rob Pearse highlighted the necessity of bespoke planning in achieving decarbonisation goals, stating, “Achieving decarbonisation requires a combination of bespoke plans and expertise in heating and hot water solutions.” He went on to affirm Baxi’s commitment to providing a diverse range of solutions that not only meet energy efficiency and net zero targets but also offer invaluable experience to support social housing providers in delivering clean heat for new builds and retrofits alike.

As the housing landscape continues to evolve, the recent funding discussed in the Spring Statement represents a pivotal opportunity for social housing providers to stay ahead of the curve. Pearse encourages all providers to explore the solutions available for their projects, stating, “With the funding discussed in the Spring Statement, we are encouraging all social housing providers to stay ahead of the curve by exploring the solutions available for their projects.”

In conclusion, as we strive towards a net zero future, the importance of sustainable solutions in social housing cannot be overstated. The collaboration between social housing providers and manufacturers like Baxi is crucial in ensuring that we not only meet the immediate needs of affordable housing but also build a foundation for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. For more information on how to decarbonise social housing properties, visit Baxi’s website at Baxi.co.uk.

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