Plans outlined as part of the housing associations new Sustainability and Energy Strategy
Choice Housing, one of Northern Irelands largest housing associations has outlined plans to invest in a range of energy efficiency and carbon reduction measures over the next three years. The plans, outlined following the launch of their new Sustainability and Energy Strategy 2022-25, set out their commitment to achieve Net Zero by 2050. This is a timely strategy in the climate of soaring energy costs and these plans will ensure homes are future proofed in terms of sustainability and energy usage.
Key outcomes identified over the next three years of the strategy focuses on reducing the risk of fuel poverty for tenants, increasing awareness of sustainable living, enhancing biodiversity, and developing a 1.5C Greenhouse gas reduction pathway to 2030.
Sustainability and Energy Manager Daniel Egerton said,
“Since the inception of our energy team over ten years ago, Choice has delivered sector leading examples of energy efficiency, sustainable housing, and cost-savings for our tenants. From 2019 to 2022, we have achieved a 10.6% reduction in scope 1 and 2 Carbon Dioxide Emissions, equivalent to the average heating emissions for 226 households in the UK.
“To truly achieve net-zero we need to transform our management of greenhouse gases – improving energy efficiency and managing energy consumption are two key areas we are looking at. We are committed to building the capacity of our tenants to deliver changes within their own homes and communities also.”
The £4.5m investment over the next three years will mean that since 2019, Choice will have invested approximately £6.5m in a range of energy efficient alternatives.
Choice has introduced a range of new technologies to help reduce carbon footprint, including the first electric storage battery installed as part of their first ultra-energy efficient housing scheme in Carryduff, Co Down launched in 2021. Between 2010 and 2011, the housing association also installed their first Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Panel and their first Air Source Heat Pump.
Daniel Egerton added,
“We are developing strong partnerships with low and zero carbon technology providers to bring wider implementation of these technologies across our portfolio, including Solar PV, Battery Storage and Electric Vehicle Charging.
“The emphasis of the next three years is to position our organisation as a low carbon housing association with a clear roadmap to net zero.”
Angela Gracey Roger, Programme Manager, Energy Saving Trust-
“As a key partner in our annual energy saving week campaign, we are pleased to see the progress that Choice is making towards carbon reduction. This new strategy has never been more important to address carbon emissions and improve the efficiency of homes across Northern Ireland. This is especially encouraging given the urgent need to take action in the face of the energy crisis. Helping those in most immediate need will ensure a fair transition to a net zero society in which no one is left behind.”
The strategy also outlines a three-stage process to achieving their wider net-zero targets by 2050 with the ultimate goal of achieving zero carbon through retrofitting all existing and future Choice properties and achieving EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) Bands A and B by 2050.
Earlier this year Choice published their first Environmental Social Governance (ESG) Report aimed at evaluating and measuring the organisations performance against set industry led goals. The association has committed to publishing regular updates on progress across a range of environmental, social and governance led commitments.
