Approximately 17% of the UK’s carbon emissions come from housing, making the transition to sustainable and energy-efficient homes an urgent priority. Recognising the need for action, the UK government has introduced the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund. This is a transformative initiative aimed at decarbonising social housing and benefiting communities across the nation.
In this article, we delve into the specifics of wave 2.2 of this funding program and explore how it’s set to revolutionise the social housing sector. This follows three previous waves (Demonstrator, Wave 1 & Wave 2.1).
Spatial Dimensions have extensive experience in surveying, mapping and modelling social housing of all sizes. This makes us the experts in all sectors involved in SHDF 2.2. You can read more about some of these case studies here.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE SHDF?
The Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) was launched to address, head-on, the challenge of reducing carbon emissions in the housing sector. Wave 2.2 is an extension of this program, set to provide substantial financial support to social housing providers to decarbonise their properties. By enabling the retrofitting of energy-efficient technologies and sustainable measures, Wave 2.2 aims to create comfortable, greener homes for social housing tenants while contributing towards the overall goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions.
Wave 2.2 of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund is a multimillion-pound funding opportunity exclusively available to registered providers of social housing in England. It has been introduced to encourage social housing providers to embark on ambitious and innovative projects that reduce carbon emissions in their housing stock. This funding will support the deployment of low-carbon heating systems, energy-efficient insulation, renewable energy solutions, and other sustainable technologies.
TIMELINE OF THE SHDF
Table information taken from gov.uk
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE SHDF 2.2?
The benefits of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund Wave 2.2 includes:
- Allowing social housing to significantly reduce their carbon footprint. This ultimately is helping transition the country towards a sustainable future.
- Embracing green technology can lead the way in environmental responsibility, setting an example for other sectors.
- The retrofitting of energy-efficient measures will result in improved living standards for the tenants.
- Increased energy efficiency may reduce bills, decreasing the chance of fuel poverty.
- Implementing sustainable technology will create job opportunities in both the retrofitting and the renewable energy sectors, boosting local economies.
- It will serve as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration between industries, driving improvements in the social housing sector overall.
WHAT IS THE APPLICATION PROCESS
To be eligible for the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund Wave 2.2, registered providers of social housing in England must submit comprehensive proposals detailing their intended decarbonisation projects. The proposals should outline how the funding will be utilised to reduce carbon emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and improve the overall sustainability of the housing stock.
The application process includes various stages, including pre-application engagement, the submission of Expression of Interest (EOI) forms, business case development, and final project approval. Social housing providers are encouraged to work closely with experienced consultants, such as Spatial Dimensions, who possess expertise in sustainable technologies and can assist with accurate project planning, cost estimates, and documentation.
HOW CAN WE HELP?
We help our clients make informed decisions and deliver successful decarbonisation projects. To receive SHDF funding, the work carried out must be PAS 2035(1) compliant. This is the case with work carried out by Spatial Dimensions experts.
Through Phase 1 and Phase 2.1 we surveyed thousands of properties across the country. This included work across London, Kent, Nottingham, Crawley, Durham, Portsmouth and Milton Keynes.
By measuring, mapping, and modelling existing housing, we can provide accurate data to guide sustainable retrofit planning. This will ensure optimal utilisation of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund Wave 2.2.
FINALLY
The Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund Wave 2.2 offers an exciting opportunity to transform social housing across England into sustainable, energy-efficient communities. By retrofitting low-carbon heating systems, improving insulation, and adopting renewable energy sources, social housing providers can significantly reduce carbon emissions, improve living conditions for tenants, and contribute to the nation’s journey towards net-zero.
We help our clients make informed decisions and deliver successful decarbonisation projects. By surveying areas, we can provide accurate data to guide sustainable retrofit planning and ensure optimal utilisation of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund Wave 2.2.
Over the last 3 years, we’ve helped survey around 3,000 social homes through the demonstrator through to 2.1 of SHDF. This makes us experts in this sector. You can view examples of our work here.
Let us help you create spaces that embrace sustainability and benefit communities for years to come. It’s in our DNA to measure map and model to help you create amazing spaces that everybody loves.
(1) PAS 2035 is a specification for the whole-house retrofit of domestic buildings in the UK. It was introduced to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Retrofit refers to the installation of measures that make a dwelling more energy efficient. The PAS 2035 specification details best practices for retrofits, including project inception, design, installation, and evaluation. It provides guidance on how to take a “whole-house” approach towards retrofits rather than “piecemeal fixes”. The standard was designed to ensure that retrofit projects are delivered in a consistent quality manner, with training available for those involved in the retrofit process.
