A delayed SHNZS doesn't have to mean delaying retrofit
SFHA strategic partner Changeworks discusses how housing providers can retrofit now with “no regrets” options, using stock analysis to future-proof decisions.
When it comes to retrofitting social housing, providers want to ensure they’re making future-proof decisions that deliver positive outcomes for their tenants and support net zero targets. However, the prospect of a new Social Housing Net Zero Standard (SHNZS) replacing the current Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing 2 (EESSH2) has complicated the planning and completion of retrofit projects. As our sector awaits confirmation of the new standards, it’s understandable that social housing providers might be hesitant to act.
Fortunately, the delay to the SHNZS doesn’t have to completely delay the retrofit of social housing. At Changeworks we’re helping housing associations identify “no regrets” options so that they can keep moving towards the social housing sector climate targets.
What actions can we take now?
Housing stock analysis
Regardless of what the SHNZS metrics will be, we can say with absolute certainty that stock analysis will remain crucial to the success of any project. Social housing providers will need to understand the energy efficiency, archetypes, and other key constraints of their current housing stock, regardless of what standards that stock will have to reach.
As under EESSH2, Changeworks’ stock analysis service compiles housing stock data into one data set, supporting the identification of projects, suitable measures, and indicative costs. More in-depth analysis can establish a baseline for the energy performance of archetypes. This can determine what measures are required to improve energy efficiency for tenants and meet a target performance standard. We can apply this type of analysis across a wide range of housing stocks, from urban to rural, pre- to post-1919 stock, and high to low density.
Innovative approaches to stock analysis
Through collaboration and innovation, Changeworks is developing new ways to help social housing providers visualise and understand their housing stock. We recently won BE-ST Fest 24’s Technology Impact Award for our work with Loreburn Housing Association. For this project, we helped to create an innovative data map which allows staff to filter properties using a range of criteria, such as property age and building characteristics including construction types and building tenure.
Briony Beattie, Sustainability Project Officer for Loreburn Housing Association explains how Loreburn are benefitting from the tool:
“This mapping tool has helped Loreburn immensely in being able to communicate our retrofit aspirations across teams for overviews of property types, and geographical locations of archetype concentrations, to further the discussions around resourcing our future projects.”
“No regrets” retrofits
There are more knowns than unknowns around what the SHNZS metrics are likely to be. All available information points to the SHNZS mandating:
- a minimum fabric efficiency rating element (meaning a maximum level for the energy consumed for heat or heat and hot water in kWh/m2/year)
- the replacement of polluting heating systems with a net zero system
- the presence of ventilation systems
With this in mind, Changeworks has adapted its housing stock analysis service to help identify “no regrets” options that social housing providers can take to progress with their climate goals.
We are currently using this approach with three housing associations, building their stock profile in a way that is of most value to them. Our whole stock analysis supports identification across a long-term net zero delivery plan, helping develop economies of scale in delivery and optimise approaches to retrofit alongside other capital projects. Examples might involve fabric improvements to prepare properties for a Zero Direct Emissions Heating (ZDEH) system, or they may be phased installations of individual measures across clusters of suitable archetypes, such as loft insulation or energy efficient doors and windows. Whichever approach they choose, housing associations can benefit from our strong network of partners across Scotland, connections with industry experts, and expertise at unlocking funding.
Get support to take action now
If you’d like to learn more about how Changeworks can support you towards your net zero goals, please email us at workwithus@changeworks.org.uk.