Our sector is leading the way in fight against climate change
Blog by Sally Thomas, Chief Executive, SFHA.
Today’s Global Climate Strike is yet another example of the growing awareness that action on climate change is no longer an option but a necessity.
Millions of people – predominantly children and young people – will demand their governments take immediate and impactful action to protect our planet and their futures.
It is fair to say that the Scottish Government has acknowledged that more needs to be done. After declaring a ‘climate emergency’ in April, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced a raft of measures to support its already stated ambitions.
Renewables, mainly wind and solar power, are providing about a third of our electricity right now. By 2032, the Scottish Government aims to have 35% of domestic buildings and 70% of non-domestic buildings heated through low carbon technology. The Committee for Climate Change for Scotland is calling for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 – this is five years earlier than the rest of UK.
Housing associations and co-operatives have the most energy efficient homes in Scotland and have been quick to introduce renewable technology. They have already implemented – or are exploring – heat networks (a single energy source to a number of buildings), electric storage, air source heat pumps, infra-red heating and wind turbines.
The sector has been set challenging energy efficiency targets by the Scottish Government, and these need to be met by 2032. While we welcome the government’s ambition, we urgently require a commitment to additional investment in order to meet these targets. With this funding, we can help eradicate fuel poverty and play our part in the fight against climate change by delivering warm, energy efficient housing that is affordable to heat.
Housing associations are social purpose businesses which provide great homes in successful communities, reinvesting in more homes, from generation to generation.
Today’s generation of young people are leading us towards a better future. We should take heart from this and increase our efforts to give them a stronger voice whenever we can, not least in tackling climate change and making our homes fit for the future we all need and deserve.