Housing associations

Dimplex has reinforced the shift towards proof-based specification with its Edel hot water heat pump now listed on the UK Government-backed Energy Technology List (ETL) - currently the only dedicated hot water heat pump to achieve inclusion.

The listing confirms the Edel range (170, 200 and 270-litre models) meets strict energy performance criteria set out by the scheme, giving specifiers and developers a recognised benchmark at a time when compliance, efficiency and real-world performance are under increasing scrutiny.

Housing 21’s Holm Court Extra Care scheme in Suffolk has been rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), following an inspection in April.
The rating is the highest awarded by the regulator and marks a continued improvement for the Extra Care service, which provides 32 flats with support, following a previous Good judgement in its last review in 2017.

Access to local investment funding has enabled Cornwall based housing providers to access financial and sustainability benefits, leading to the use of Marley’s full roof system with integrated solar panels.

Charitable social housing provider, Coastline Housing, based in Redruth, Cornwall, is committed to tackling ongoing housing challenges for the local population. 

Howard Trotter, Business Manager at Shelforce reflects on the rise of the super-regulator, Gateway 2 and the golden thread.

Amid seismic regulatory change, one thing is clear: for local authorities and housing associations delivering social housing, the era of doing things by habit or assumption has passed.

As the manufacturing and supply partner for windows, doors and fire doors working directly with councils and housing providers, at Shelforce we believe this new landscape demands sharper clarity, stronger traceability and a supply chain that can genuinely deliver to the new standard.

For housing associations, maintaining efficient and reliable heating systems across large and diverse property portfolios remains a significant challenge. Ensuring tenant comfort, meeting sustainability goals, and keeping maintenance costs under control all depend on one critical factor — system protection.

Across thousands of homes, even minor inefficiencies can lead to increased energy consumption, higher maintenance workloads, and dissatisfied residents. In almost every heating system, contamination occurs over time, such as rust, dirt and magnetite particles caused by corrosion and if left untreated, these particles circulate through pipework and components, reducing efficiency, increasing wear, and potentially causing costly breakdowns.

Ian Cochran, Head of Consultancy at Changeworks, on how the organisation is supporting housing associations in Scotland to prepare for net zero.
As the UK progresses toward ambitious climate goals, housing associations face the challenge of balancing legislative requirements with the practicalities of retrofitting their housing stock and ensuring tenant comfort. 
In Scotland, the delay in the publication of the Social Housing Net Zero Standard (SHNZS) has added an element of uncertainty for many in the sector. However, forward-thinking housing associations, supported by experts like Changeworks, are already taking action to prepare for SHNZS.

Housing associations and property managers have many responsibilities. But fundamentally, they are responsible for ensuring that their resident’s properties are safe, secure and in good condition. Ensuring this, however, can be tricky. From running water and heating to lighting and ventilation, there are a number of factors to consider. And in turn, a number of challenges to overcome. 

Damp and mould presents one of the biggest risks. It's not a new challenge, and its effects have been well documented, particularly following the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak caused by prolonged exposure to mould. Following the coroner’s November 2022 report, social housing providers, including local authorities and housing associations, were asked to submit evidence about the extent of damp and mould in tenants’ homes and how they were tackling the issue.