Sustainable technologies: the experience of housing associations (NF63)
Overview
The housing association sector has been at the forefront in the adoption of sustainable technologies, and this primary research centres on their experiences of the variety of energy-efficient and water saving features.
Surveying over 200 housing associations, the research finds that solar PV are the most popular choice, with around three quarters saying they would use PV products again in the future.
Summary of content
The housing association sector has been at the forefront in the adoption of sustainable technologies, and this primary research centres on their experiences of the variety of energy-efficient and water saving features. Surveying over 200 housing associations, the research finds that solar PV are the most popular choice, with around three quarters saying they would use PV products again in the future.
Key findings
- There is widespread use of sustainable technologies by housing associations
- Code for Sustainable Homes, planning or funding requirements influences technology use
- Cost of sustainable technologies influences installation
- Water efficiency measures are installed four times more often than energy efficiency
- Inadequate installation skills is an issue
- Technology use is benefitting residents
- But residents could benefit further with better understanding
- Associations have encountered difficulties in measuring performance and benefits
- Heat pumps are delivering poor levels of satisfaction
- Some infrequently installed technologies have high levels of satisfaction
- The broad use of photovoltaics is likely to continue
