Oaklee Housing Association / What Is Oaklee Doing?
Oaklee Housing Association has become the first Association to appoint a dedicated Energy Officer. The role is seen as a significant investment by Oaklee to help the housing sector's commitment to combat climate change and to further their commitment to reducing fuel poverty for their tenants.
The role
In November 2008, Brian Rankin was appointed to the role. Brian is a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor and has previous experience in the renewable energy industry. Brian commented on his role
"Although no doubt there will be challenges, I believe this role within Oaklee will prove to be extremely valuable and rewarding. I have the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of our current and future tenants, many of which are amongst the most financially challenged and vulnerable in society".
The Energy Officer role in Oaklee will be varied, ranging from providing energy advice to tenants, producing Energy Performance Certificates, researching available sources of funding, looking at the role of renewables, promoting waste management and recycling, and working on the potential refurbishment and development measures that will help to reduce fuel poverty for our tenants.
Development
Oaklee HA has always strived to provide homes that work efficiently and meet the needs of our tenants and partners. In new developments, working with the Department for Social Development and our consultants, we are endeavouring to build-in those energy saving features which will benefit our tenants from the first day they move in.
Recycling
From development of schemes through to the lifestyle of tenants, we believe that recycling is an essential step towards a more sustainable future. We are currently working with contractors to ensure wastage is minimised and all possible recycling opportunities are being availed of. By working with our tenants and local authorities we believe we can help achieve significant reductions in waste and encourage increased recycling throughout all of our schemes.
Property Services
Existing properties are often the most challenging to address in terms of energy efficiency. We have recently completed a full stock condition survey. This information, in consultation with our tenants, will form the basis of the improvement programme for our Property Services Team. Brian will champion the use of environmentally efficient technology and processes alongside the introduction of energy saving measures, such as low energy lighting and increased levels of insulation. This will lead to direct savings both in terms of carbon emissions and energy bills for tenants.
Empowering Tenants
By creating awareness of energy usage we wish to encourage tenants to identify energy waste and become an active party in reducing their energy bills. By reducing their energy waste, and taking some simple low cost or no cost energy saving measures, tenants will be able to directly influence their service charges. Oaklee H.A. will be providing this information through a range of mediums to ensure all tenants are empowered to make a difference.
Energy Performance Certificates
With the recent introduction of legislation requiring Energy Performance Certificates on all rented property, we have been encouraged by the average "C" rating for energy efficiency on Oaklee properties for rent, to date. This is well above the average "E" rating for properties in Northern Ireland. However, rather than be complacent with this average, we are taking careful note of the recommendations that are being made with a view to increasing this rating even further and reducing the cost of heating and electric bills.
Oaklee Staff Development
Encouraging staff at our head office to adopt an energy saving approach is a crucial step in Oaklee's commitment to a reduction in energy usage. Information and training will be delivered over the coming months to ensure staff members are aware of their impact on the environment and that significant savings can be made by taking simple, no cost, measures.
Oaklee Housing Association is proud to be taking these active steps and is committed to the highest environmental standards in property development and maintenance, which will help to combat fuel poverty. We are pleased to be able to inform, enable and empower tenants to reduce their own energy usage.
Brian stated "Many people are unaware of the major savings that can be made by making the smallest of lifestyle changes. My hope is that, by informing and empowering staff and tenants, we will be better prepared to meet the growing challenges of environmental impact and fuel poverty".
What is energy and why should I save it?
When we talk about saving energy we are primarily thinking of fuel bills such as electric and heating costs. There are many reasons for thinking about how we use energy. We may be concerned for our planet and the changes we are making to it by burning fossil fuels. Alternatively, we may consider our children (and their children) and their future if our planets resources run out. But for many of us, the main reason to look at our use of energy is that it costs us money.
