Housing associations throughout England and Wales are under increasing pressure for their services. With councils cutting funding for support services for vulnerable people, housing associations, charities and community groups fear there may well be a huge short fall in vital services for groups like the elderly, homeless and disabled. According to a survey conducted by the National Housing Federation, of 130 providers 73% have been warned to expect “disproportionate” funding cuts. Alongside these financially difficult times there is the continual pressure of environmental issues, raising awareness and controlling use of resources.
Training may not immediately spring to mind at this time. However quality training can engage and invigorate frazzled staff and enhance efficiency in the long term. Exactly what is required in an over-stretched financial environment. A lean approach to one element of a business – or even better a number of constituent elements of a business – can have a positive impact on finances elsewhere. Environmental training falls within this territory. A ‘can do more with less’ attitude applied to an organisation’s resources is key.
A greater environmental awareness can also benefit the residents with housing associations. By being as carbon aware and energy efficient as possible, an association can make a huge contribution to cutting UK carbon emissions, which currently account for 25% of the UKs total (DECC). Future housing stock will be greatly improved in energy efficiency resulting from newer design and construction measures. However with 70% of houses expected to be standing in 2050 having already been built then expensive retrofits and cultural behaviour are the two remaining options. That is not to say that all residents should receive training, which would be a impractical and expensive exercise. However resident groups working with association staff can together provide a strong representation of the communities involved. This structure already widely exists. Training at this level for the concerned parties can aid understanding of the issues relating to climate change and how best to translate the message and instil greater awareness.
An understanding of policy, recommendations and actions are crucial if a change in mindset is to be achieved. The financial impetus for residents to do this will become ever more important with energy prices set to increase significantly as we move towards 2030.
By Tim Davies | Righttrack’s Environmental Advisor