Fusion21

Tenants visit Salford Energy House for Climate Week Event

Climate Week is a national occasion that offers an annual renewal of our ambition to combat climate change; the week was an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the many positive steps already being taken in workplaces and communities across Britain.

Fusion21 ran a climate change event at Salford University; the event offered local residents of  Registered Providers the opportunity to be involved in an interactive afternoon which included a tour of the innovative University of Salford Energy House. Residents were encouraged to share ideas, learn about energy efficiency measures and how to save money and energy in their homes. 

 Residents also participated in an interactive voting survey which aimed to gain an understanding of resident perceptions and experiences of retrofitting.

Sharon Chahal KTP Associate at Fusion21 said of the event, “I am delighted the climate change event has been well received by both residents and staff members. The event provided an excellent opportunity to meet a diverse mix of residents who represented over ten Registered Providers from the North West.
 
The information collected from the event will inform my ongoing research which is to understand how to effectively engage with residents in the retrofit agenda and to develop appropriate support material. This will be essential to the success of any retrofit project”.

From a sample of 18 residents from the Merseyside, Cheshire and Greater Manchester areas, the interactive survey highlighted some of the following results.

There is a general awareness of environmental issues, energy usage and broad concerns about climate change. On overwhelming (83%) of residents reported they were either very concerned or fairly concerned about climate change. A high proportion of residents, (78%) have had energy efficiency measures installed within their property.
 
Unsurprisingly, roof insulation was the most commonly reported energy efficiency measure fitted (21%), which arguably provides the cheapest and ‘hassle free’ way in which homes can be upgraded. This was followed by new gas boiler (18%), draught proofing doors windows (18%) and energy efficiency appliances (16%).

The main motivators which would encourage residents to install energy efficiency measures would be the potential to save money (37%) followed by living in a warmer and more comfortable home (32%) and helping the environment (22%). 

On the other hand, over a third of residents (37%) reported the main barrier to accepting energy efficiency measures is that they do not know what is available and that often it is too technical. 17% reported it would be due to the disruption and inconvenience and a further 17% reported it was not their problem but their social landlord’s.

The implications for Registered Providers are significant, as they will need to consider ways in which to communicate information in an effective manner and upgrade properties with minimal disruption for residents.

Hessel F. De Boer resident of Salix Homes said of the event, “It was a great pleasure being invited to a Climate Change Event at the University of Salford in their Energy Hub, and it was a great opportunity to see the Energy House. 

Several Registered Providers and ALMO’s were invited to the event, and this brought an interesting view of tenants and officers together. The Energy House itself was amazing; any weather condition can be simulated to test an array of technologies against combating fuel poverty and feeling comfortable in your own home.

I have participated in three events during climate change week as I’m extremely interested to see actions we can take to improve the energy efficiency of our homes and communities. The week was a great opportunity to highlight the positive actions being undertaken across the country”

Sharon Chahal , Fusion21 added, " I would like to take this opportunity to thank Knowsley Housing Trust, Plus Dane, Wirral Partnership Homes, Riverside, Golden Gates Housing Trust, Helena Partnerships,  Regenda, First Choice Homes Oldham, Irwell Valley and Salix Homes for their attendance and participation in this event. Their cooperation and support helped to make the event a great sucess during Climate week."