Structural Elements
Roofing & Solar PV Feature
Smart roof specification
Local authorities can better support social housing tenants through smart and well-timed roofing specification choices, as Stuart Nicholson from Marley explains
O
ver the past year, and for several reasons, residential energy costs have increased. For many social housing tenants this has subsequently led to a tight household budget squeeze and an ongoing struggle to deal with
energy bills as part of the current cost of living crisis. When assessing existing housing stock, local authorities and social housing
providers need to be mindful of a landscape in which their tenants are predicted to remain under financial pressure while assessing any sustainable building investment solutions that can help to mitigate ongoing worries. And heavily related to energy cost, evidence is also clearly emerging that for
many people sustainability, energy efficiency and climate concerns are growing in importance.
RESEARCH FINDINGS A recent report published by housing association Orbit, shows that an increasing number of residents recognise the value of being more energy efficient as a way of mitigating the surge in energy costs, as well as being more aware of the nation’s journey to net zero by 2050. Te research findings highlight that 75% of those questioned said they are interested in changing their behaviours to become more energy
efficient. Reflecting a broader perspective, one in four said they understood what ‘net zero’ means and 38% stated that they were ‘very concerned’ about climate change.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR LOCAL AUTHORITIES So, with energy efficiency and reducing their impact on the planet increasing in importance for tenants, it’s important local authorities carefully consider how smart and timely building fabric upgrades – together with the inclusion of sustainable solutions – can make a difference over the short and long term. A prime example is the specification of high performing, cost effective and
sustainable roofing solutions as part of retrofit schemes needed for the many older properties under local authority ownership. And central to this is the choice of solar PV. PV technology is proven in the market, is readily available, and has become
much more affordable in recent times – reducing by 90% over the past decade. Te latest integrated PV roof systems also offer a more visually appealing and easier to install option. Replacing a section of roof tiles as part of planned maintenance or fabric upgrades, integrated solar PV provides a sleek aesthetic and functions as a
28 | HMMOctober/November 2023 |
www.housingmmonline.co.uk
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