Monday, 8 September 2008
The importance of energy efficiency programmes and outputs for local housing authorities and social housing landlords is well recognised. Central Government has utilised energy efficiency as a performance indicator in determining Housing Investment Programme allocations since 1992. Energy efficiency programmes are also central to achieving "sustainable development" because they deliver social, environmental, economic and health benefits as well as reducing housing management costs.
The Department of the Environment highlighted the five main elements that underpin the importance of energy efficiency in it's document "Energy Efficiency in Council Housing - Guidance for Local Authorities"(1997), demonstrating how investment in energy efficiency can contribute to the following benefits:
Housing - the elimination of condensation and damp with consequential benefits; decreased rent arrears; improved lettability; reduced voids and transfer requests; increased rent revenue; fewer complaints; fewer ad hoc maintenance requests; reduced management costs; increased asset values; and reduced legal costs.
Environmental - reductions in emissions of carbon dioxide, the most significant greenhouse gas, and oxides of sulphur and nitrogen which can cause acid rain; reduced demand for non-renewable energy resources.
Economic - direct financial savings in fuel bills; increased disposable income and consequent benefits to the local economy.
Social - provision of affordable warmth for those on low incomes, including the elderly; and improved quality of life.
Health - reduced incidence of asthma, bronchitis, flu, colds and related stress through reductions in dampness and mould growth; and a reduction in hypothermia and cold related illnesses.
The Home Energy Conservation Act (HECA) 1995 came into force on 1 April 1996, and designated local authorities as Energy Conservation Authorities. The Act required that all Energy Conservation Authorities prepare, publish and submit to the Secretary of State for the Environment, an Energy Conservation Report outlining measures likely to achieve a 30% improvement in the energy efficiency of all residential accommodation within their administrative boundaries.
Progress against the 30% improvement target is reported annually within the Housing Investment Programme returns. The Act addresses all tenures of housing, public and private sector, and Energy Conservation Authorities have an "initiate, facilitate and enable" role.
Doncaster Council's Housing Energy Strategy, approved by Council on 19th August 1996, embraces all housing tenures and incorporates a 30% carbon dioxide and delivered energy reduction target by the year 2005, in line with HECA objectives.
The baseline position, as of April 1996, indicated that an average public sector dwelling:
An average private sector dwelling:
This translates to over 1.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually for the collective housing stock in Doncaster.
As the Energy Conservation Authority for Doncaster, the Council has produced a ten year Energy Conservation Report for housing in the Borough in line with our requirements under the Home Energy Conservation Act 1995. Copies of the report are available from the Energy Team. Contact details at the top of this page.
