See the work CCHA is doing to go net zero
As world leaders gather for COP26 in Glasgow, CHC is highlighting how housing associations across Wales are doing their bit to tackle the climate crisis.
For Cardiff Community Housing Association (CCHA), the focus is on educating the wider community. In doing so, it has set up a Green Group which is made up of staff, two tenants and a board member. The group raises awareness on responsible recycling, reducing waste consumption, how to reduce utility costs, sustainable transport and also aims to train staff and tenants on how to be carbon literate.
Through education, tenants have been able to understand the importance of CCHA’s green ambition. In recent months, it has:
Ensured that all new and future homes are built to EPC A rating, with the first built in Llanrumney, Cardiff.
Installed electric vehicle charging points at head office and invested in two all electric vans and two electric pool cars. Ten electric bike charging points have also been built, widening the choice of how staff get to and from CCHA locations.
Installed solar panels on the head office’s roof. The energy generated is being used to run the building and will also be used to charge the electric vans and cars and reduce vehicle running costs. Since installing these solar panels in March 2021, CCHA has already reduced carbon emissions by 4.93 tonnes.
Installed solar panels with battery backup storage on 10 of CCHA’s homes, with 10 more homes to be included in the next 12 months. Meanwhile, 20 properties have been retrofitted, thanks to funding from the Welsh government Optimised Retrofit Programme.
Created urban gardens, increasing green spaces and levels of bio-diversity within the city, such as at Ffordd Nowell.
In recognition of its work, CCHA was awarded the silver standard in the SHIFT assessment which examines the environmental impact of homes and the association’s day-to-day business activities. Using the recommendations made in the SHIFT assessment report, a five-year Sustainability, Environmental and Decarbonisation Strategy is being finalised.
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