Focus on sustainability at SFHA Finance Conference

As part of our efforts to make SFHA events more sustainable, we are working with Carbon Consultancy by Conference Care with the aim of reducing the carbon footprint of our Finance Conference, which will take place on 16 and 17 November at Crieff Hydro Hotel.  

We will also be launching our new SFHA Live! sustainability policy at the conference, and it focuses on how we can reduce the environmental impact of our events and, ultimately, be more sustainable.  

Sustainability-focused sessions

Sustainability is a key focus at this year’s Finance Conference. We have a number of sessions that focus on how we can be more sustainable as a sector:

Updating your asset strategy 
Gillian Houston, Arneil Johnson 

Housing association assets play a key role in shaping the social, environmental and economic wellbeing of the local community. Effective asset management at a time of affordability challenges and changing customer expectations will ensure your homes continue to provide a high-quality and sustainable contribution to communities. This session will hear practical tips to ensure asset strategies are fit for purpose.  

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Sustainability: financial, environmental and social  
Andy Jack, Link, Brian Gannon, West of Scotland Housing Association, Brendan Sarsfield, Peabody 

Sustainability is a hot topic across all sectors. For housing associations, there are financial and social as well as environmental considerations. This session will see two SFHA members discuss their journey towards sustainability and the strategies they have in place. We will also discuss what the growing appetite from lenders to include strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance as part of their lending criteria means for the sector.  

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Sustainability in a changing built environment 
Alix Bedford, Zurich Municipal 

The built environment is about more than individual buildings or units, and sustainability is about more than climate targets. A truly sustainable built environment is inclusive, safe and resilient as well as net zero in construction and energy efficient when in use. This session will explore the key areas for considering and action when building, refitting or renovating in a holistic way.  

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Investing in ‘healthier homes’ 
Geraldine Begg, SFHA, Paul Bellamy, Scottish Government 

Working with six different pathfinders, SFHA’s Healthier Homes initiative is exploring the potential benefits to service delivery and customer health and wellbeing through digital technology that supports the management and monitoring of homes. Driven by service improvement and customer engagement, Healthier Homes links to performance monitoring and energy efficiency, proactive approaches to repairs and maintenance and improving customer health and wellbeing.  

Secure your place

We have a range of special ticket offers for this year’s conference. Visit the SFHA Live! section of our website to find out more and the book now page for rates. SFHA members should sign in to view member rates.

View the full programme here: