Decarbonisation and Energy Efficiency at Together Housing

Jenny Danson chats with Patrick Berry, Executive Director of Property at Together Housing, about their drive for carbon reduction across 37,000 properties through innovative energy initiatives and a resident-focused approach.

Key Insights:

• Carbon Reduction Plan: Together Housing's 15-year strategy targets EPC-C by 2030, with gas heating to be phased out by 2035.

• Data and Revenue: A carbon dashboard supports tracking and funding applications, while partnerships with Urban Chain and Give Energy generate revenue from solar PV and battery systems.

• Proactive Maintenance: IoT and connected heat pumps enable predictive repairs, cutting costs and reducing service disruptions.

• Tenant Education: A carbon literacy programme builds tenant and staff understanding of sustainability goals.

• Challenges:

• Rising Retrofit Costs: Proactive maintenance and supplier partnerships help manage rising repair budgets.

• Battery Standards: New regulations on battery storage prompt collaborative compliance solutions.

 Resources and Mentions:

• HACT Carbon Credits: Together Housing monetises carbon savings via HACT’s carbon credit scheme.

• Future Homes Standard and Grant Funding: Leveraging funding through the Future Homes Standard and other social housing decarbonisation initiatives.

• Urban Chain & Give Energy: Partnerships support renewable energy trading, maximising returns on energy assets. 

Takeaways:

Together Housing’s approach shows how strategic planning and tenant engagement turn decarbonisation into a sustainable asset that benefits both operations and residents.