More providers are assessing homes for climate change risk
The number of housing providers assessing their homes for climate change risk has risen by nearly a quarter in two years.
Research by consultancy Sustainable Homes, for the national sustainability index SHIFT, shows that there was a 22 per cent increase in the number of providers assessing their homes against flood damage, overheating or water shortages as a result of climate change.
Although more organisations are undertaking risk assessments, less than 10 per cent were adapting their homes in light of the risk.
The Code for Sustainable Homes level three was the predominant standard achieved within new build portfolio, although a small number of homes were also built to code levels five and six.
Pat Ritchie, chief executive of the Homes and Communities Agency, said: ‘Environmental sustainability is vitally important: I am encouraged to see that our housing association partners recognise the significance of their role and the impact of their work in this field.’
Andrew Eagles, managing director of Sustainable Homes, said: ‘There is plenty of room to further improve but our research shows that the leading registered providers are making in roads in reducing carbon emissions. They are also starting to action strategies in tackling other broader sustainability issues such as water efficiency and climate change adaptation.’
