Changeworks EESSH2 survey
SFHA and Changeworks are working together to understand current levels of energy efficiency and the opinions of RSLs across Scotland.
A key part of SFHA’s current work is to help members to meet the Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing 2032 target (EESSH2). With 12 years to meet this challenging target, Changeworks is taking a lead role in supporting registered social landlords (RSLs) to shape a more strategic and holistic approach to future-proofing the existing housing stock. SFHA and Changeworks are working together to understand current levels of energy efficiency and the opinions of RSLs across Scotland.
EESSH is the Scottish Government’s approach to encourage landlords to improve the energy efficiency of social housing in Scotland. EESSH supports the Scottish Government’s ambition for warm, affordable, high-quality homes in a low carbon housing sector and wider economy. It was introduced in March 2014, with an initial target set for December 2020. EESSH2 is the second energy efficiency target, set for 2032, as confirmed in June 2019.
The EESSH2 target is for all social housing to meet Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Band B rating, or to be as energy efficient as is practicably possible by the end of December 2032 – within limits of cost, technology and necessary consent. A formal review is proposed for 2025 which is to include air quality and environmental impact of interventions.
To understand the levels of compliance with EESSH2, as well as the attitudes and understanding of the legislation by SFHA members, Changeworks will undertake two pieces of complementary research:
1. Research with SFHA members
Research with SFHA members, building on earlier research on EESSH in 2017. Changeworks will gather SFHA members' views to help SFHA understand how best to support them in meeting EESSH2. The aim of this research is to develop a clear picture of current compliance with EESSH2, levels of engagement with the legislation, and to identify barriers faced by housing associations and, consequently, the support required from SFHA. The research also aims to gather reflections on meeting EESSH, and understand if, and how, SFHA members are considering maintenance, safety, future-proofing, air quality and wider environmental impact, alongside EESSH2 plans.
2. Analysis of the Scottish housing association stock
An analysis of the Scottish housing stock belonging to housing associations and corporations, using data from the Scottish Housing Condition Survey (SHCS). This analysis will provide a baseline picture of the current EESSH2 compliance status of the Scottish property stock belonging to housing associations and corporations, what proportion of that stock will not reach EESSH2 compliance with all current possible energy efficiency and heating upgrades, and the potential impact of EESSH2 measures on tenants, in terms of costs, fuel poverty and carbon emissions. Changeworks will request the SHCS data, which is part of the annual Scottish Household Survey (SHS) and consists of a physical survey that allows for assigning an EPC score to the property. This data is a representative sample for Scotland, and using data from the SHCS will avoid working with data from only a selected group of housing associations.
Please contribute to our research by completing the survey by Friday 15 January. Please only complete once per housing association.
For further information, please contact:
Katy Syme, Senior Researcher, Changeworks
T: 0131 539 8653 or E: ksyme@changeworks.org.uk