• Affordable Water
• Developing an Affordable Warmth Strategy and Action Plan
• Developing an Environmental Policy and Action Plan
• Environmental Matrix for Housing
• Foundations for the Future
• Mainstreaming Sustainable Development in the Housing Association Sector

Affordable Water (Sustainable Homes)

The Affordable Water initiative, launched in 1997 in conjunction with Hastoe Housing Association, aims to raise awareness and provide background information on water conservation for associations and staff. This can be used to promote environmental issues and passed on as advice for the benefit of low income families, especially those with metered water. The guide comes in two parts: a briefing guide and an action guide. Technical detail on water saving technology is available from 'AquaSpec', a computer program developed by ECD Energy and Environment Limited, with the support of an IGP Grant from the Housing Corporation.

Website:http://www.sustainablehomes.co.uk/
Email:info@sustainablehomes.co.uk
Telephone: 020 8973 0429

Developing an Affordable Warmth Strategy and Action Plan (Chris Barnett Associates)

The Affordable Warmth Matrix was developed for the Housing Corporation, as part of the Innovation and Good Practice programme, to help meet the Corporation's desire for all housing associations to have an Affordable Warmth Strategy – and in line with the DEFRA/DTI target to eliminate fuel poverty in social housing by 2010. The matrix provides a systematic approach to the subject under twelve key headings, and allows landlords to construct methodical action plans by establishing current levels of activity for each heading, setting targets, and then selecting actions to achieve them. Performance indicators can then be put in place, progress monitored, and the outcomes displayed in a simple visual summary. The software version of this matrix now forms one module of the Environmental Matrix for Housing (EMH).

Information on the Affordable Warmth programme, can be found in the final report by Practical Environment. Support services are now available commercially from Chris Barnett Associates.

Website:http://www.chrisbarnettassociates.com/
Email: info@chrisbarnettassociates.com
Phone number: 01386 882 490
Fax Number: 01386 882 302

Developing an Environmental Policy and Action Plan (Sustainable Homes)

Published in 2001, this gives guidance on the formation and implementation of a successful environmental policy and action plan for housing associations. It highlights the different approaches available to ensure buy-in and the importance of setting realistic targets and reviewing achievements. It has formed the basis of Sustainable Homes Environmental Policy Training.

Website:http://www.sustainablehomes.co.uk/
Email:info@sustainablehomes.co.uk
Telephone: 020 8973 0429

Environmental Matrix for Housing (Chris Barnett Associates)

The Environmental Matrix for Housing (EMH) was developed for the Housing Corporation to offer housing associations a recognised Environmental Management System, designed to meet the specific needs of the sector. This software tool can be used to develop an environmental strategy and action plan, providing a database and management package to help landlords deliver sustainable communities in a planned and systematic manner. It:

allows for different types and sizes of organisation, from beginner to advanced landlords;
provides a focus for environmental activity, with clearly argued support for decision making;
allows landlords to develop distinct strategies for new-build development, management/maintenance of existing housing and ‘green office’ activities;
is easy to use, as a staged process, generating the multiple outcomes of:
an objective baseline assessment, providing a sound platform for future progress;
an Environmental Impact Assessment and establishment of corporate priorities;
a systematic process for developing action plans and applying performance indicators;
a framework for detailing resource requirements and implementation procedures;
a simple visual summary to demonstrate progress and enable comparisons both within and between organisations;
is supported and updated by a dedicated, expert team offering training and support;
offers a stand-alone module within the package to help develop Affordable Warmth strategies and action plans.
The software package is available from Chris Barnett Associates and is free of charge for landlords who participate in the Powergen ‘Energy Advantage’ energy efficiency commitment funding programme, depending on the amount of EEC qualifying works carried out.

Website:http://www.chrisbarnettassociates.com/
Email:info@chrisbarnettassociates.com
Phone number: 01386 882 490
Fax Number: 01386 882 302  

Foundations for the Future (Sustainable Homes)

Published in 2002, this two-part guide examines sustainability and how it applies to housing associations. The first part is aimed at Chief Executives and those involved in the strategy of implementing sustainable development, with a small sample of case studies. The second part is aimed towards a more 'hands-on' readership, with more detailed case studies on a wider variety of subjects all relating to sustainable development.

Website: http://www.sustainablehomes.co.uk/
Email:info@sustainablehomes.co.uk
Telephone: 020 8973 0429

Mainstreaming sustainable development in the Housing Association sector (Beyond Green/Tellus Consulting)

This project aims at defining what the social housing sector needs to do to integrate sustainable development principles into all its activities. The project includes both strategic considerations and practical tools and methodologies for implementing the sustainability agenda. As a result of this project, two practical guides titled Six Steps to Sustainable Development and Seven Elements of Sustainable Regeneration have been published.

Email:info@beyondgreen.co.uk
Telephone: 020 7722 7232

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