Housing associations

As the editor of Housing Association Magazine, I find myself reflecting on Labour's recent pronouncements on housing policy with a mixture of optimism, scepticism, and curiosity. Labour has indicated that addressing the housing crisis will be a central pillar of their platform, and this focus is much needed. But the question that looms large for many in the sector is: will Labour's housing strategy include a revival of council housing, and if so, what will that mean for Housing Associations (HAs)?

David Bly – Managing Director of Cornerstone Management Services Ltd, a company providing independent expert property health surveys is of the opinion more can be done for fighting year-on-year damp, condensation and mould issues in buildings.

For many involved with managing and upholding structural health, it could be argued there needs to be a ‘reset’ with regard to how structures are assessed for these reported issues.

With a proven history providing independent expert surveys into the root causes of damp, condensation and mould, our findings clearly confirm many issues align to the adequate ventilation of a building.

Developed and manufactured by industry leaders Mira Showers, the new Mira Advance Heatloop^TM is the first ever electric shower to be designed to work with Recoup waste water heat recovery for shower systems (WWHRS), revolutionising waste water efficiency and reducing energy wastage.

While showering represents around 50 to 75% of household hot water use, around 85% to 90% of the heat energy in shower water actually ends up going down the drain. With research from the Energy Saving Trust revealing that heating water at home also makes up about 5% of the UK’s carbon emissions, it’s never been more important to identify a way of reusing that lost heat to save energy and reduce energy bills for end users to support the decarbonisation of UK homes.

The need to introduce more energy efficient and cost-effective systems into the home is further exacerbated by the impact the cost-of-living crisis has had on peoples’ finances, especially those living in social housing. Even the slightest adjustment to everyday tasks, such as showering, and their resultant costs, could make a huge difference.

In an era where energy efficiency, tenant comfort, and sustainability are paramount concerns for Housing Associations across the UK, the role of high-quality windows in social housing cannot be overstated says Howard Trotter, Business Manager of Birmingham-based window and door manufacturer Shelforce.

Since this announcement in January 2022, major water companies have been developing plans to upgrade the UKs water supply and reduce current usage from 150 litres per person per day to 110.  

Smart meters are seen as a significant part of the solution to reducing domestic water usage.  Thames Water have recorded post installation savings of 12-17%1.  Following multiple trials, all water companies are now working on plans for Advanced metering infrastructure, where all new connections or meters use the latest generation of smart meters.

Housing associations are increasingly looking to deliver low carbon, energy efficient housing for tenants. As such, the refurbishment, retrofit or new build landscape for housing associations requires continual evaluation.

A combination of government net zero targets and the cost-of-living crisis, fuelled by high energy prices, means the pressure is on for social housing providers to find solutions to the growth of people living in fuel poverty. Yet, in doing so, the sector also needs to remain compliant with the changing legislation demands, which are designed to create a low carbon housing future for all.

James Clack, Sales Director of Victorian Sliders, makes the case for vertical sliding sash windows in housing association properties.