WE all recognise we have a role to play in tackling the climate crisis. But do we really understand what we can specifically do about ‘net zero’ and ‘carbon neutral’?
Consumers understand there is an emergency, but we don’t always know what to do about it, and frankly, amid the ongoing high cost of living people are dealing with more pressing short-term issues. Furthermore, investing in an electric vehicle or installing renewable energy sources remain unattainable for many. People switch off, but the challenge persists.
Figures released by Daera in June revealed a 5 per cent rise in emissions in 2021 from 2020. Oil remains the primary method of heating homes in Northern Ireland at 68 per cent and gas central heating is 26 per cent. All in all, a staggering 94 per cent reliance on fossil fuels.
Residential homes are responsible for 14 per cent of carbon emissions in Northern Ireland, so it's clear that the housing sector needs to together educate, inform, and support home-owners to reduce the impact their home may have on climate change.
We can’t expect change overnight – but collegiate thinking can take us forward. If government departments, local councils, the Housing Executive, housing associations, property developers, private landlords and so on, were aligned on energy consumption and performance, we may collectively future-proof properties and make them more energy efficient.
At Co-Ownership, we recently launched our Climate Change Strategic Response outlining how we aim to support Northern Ireland’s Climate Change Act 2022. We have a share in over 10,000 homes across the province and support up to 10 per cent of all first-time buyer transactions every year, so we are aware of the role we need to play.
We have undertaken a detailed analysis of our properties to capture Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings, and better understand our stock and where improvements can be made.
Of the 8,168 homes audited thus far, 4261 are energy efficient and rated grade A, B or C. We’re investing in energy awareness training to help customers understand the changes they could make to their homes. This includes appointing a Domestic Energy Assessor who will visit customers province-wide.
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, home-owners can be supported and incentivised to make the necessary changes to their homes and contribute positively to the future of Northern Ireland.
:: Andrew Shott is finance director at Co-Ownership (www.co-ownership.org), whose inaugural Energy Saving Week takes place until October 27 with a focus on educating consumers on energy saving
