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Net Zero Week: how we’re working to make Bolton and other places greener

Net Zero Week: how we’re working to make Bolton and other places greener

We’re all facing a climate emergency. The earth is getting warmer and experiencing rapid climate change due to greenhouse gases.

With each day the problem is becoming more serious. Climate change is affecting us with drier summers, increased risk of wildfires, more intense periods of rainfall and increased risk of flooding.

Unless we all take urgent actions to reduce our carbon footprint, the problems might become irreversible.

Working with organisations such as tenant engagement experts Tpas and social landlords network Placeshapers, we’ve supported their published report into how landlord and tenants can work together to make our homes greener and achieve net zero.

You can read the Residents Voices in UK's Net Zero Carbon journey report at the following link: Residents' Voices in UK's Net Zero Carbon journey

It's also been #NetZeroWeek (11 to 15 October), and housing providers have been sharing what actions they're taking on this vital issue. 

Decarbonising our homes is one of the biggest challenges facing our sector. By sharing our experiences we can learn and improve our actions together.

 

What is net zero?

Achieving net zero means a balance between the amount of greenhouse gas produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere.

This is done by through two main methods. Firstly, by reducing our current emissions from actions such as renewable energy or electric cars. Secondly, for those emissions which can’t be eliminated, offsetting them by removing the same volume of greenhouse gases by methods such as carbon capture technology.

In 2020, Bolton Council and hundreds of other councils across the country declared a climate emergency and we’re working with the council and other agencies to reduce our carbon footprint.

 

Our work and plans to make Bolton and other places greener

We know we have an important role to play in protecting our planet and we take this responsibility very seriously. We’re currently developing a new Climate Change Strategy, which will provide a roadmap for delivering net zero carbon homes. It will require a substantial investment, but it will also create jobs, training and green skills for the benefit of local people and the local economy.

Each year we invest millions of pounds into improving the energy efficiency of homes. We do this by fitting cavity wall and loft insulation, upgrading heating systems, fitting energy efficient boilers and we’re trialling low carbon air source pump heat heating systems .

Over the next 10 years we’ll be installing a range of low carbon technologies in existing homes as part of an ambitious retrofit programme. We’re also introducing electric vehicles into our fleet.

We’re using new methods of construction that speed up the building process and have a reduced impact on the environment. For instance, last March we completed the first ever modular housing development in Bolton. Twenty-two homes were built in a factory before being assembled on site.

We’re looking at how we can use our 86,000m2 of open space for tree planting to offset emissions as well as for more local food growing initiatives and habitat creation.

In December 2020, we acquired Trinity Retail Park, and are working on transforming it into a green skills hub called Greenworks. This will allow us to train staff and businesses from across Greater Manchester on green housing technology and how to install, maintain and repair it; support green enterprises and help us to build on our existing initiatives to help people save energy and reduce their bills. More information on Greenworks is at www.boltonathome.org.uk/greenworks

 

Worried about the energy price rises?

Many people will be worrying how the energy price rises affect their finances.

But if you’re a Bolton at Home customer, and feeling under pressure, we’re here to help you.

If you or someone you care about is affected by the energy price rises and/or the recent changes to Universal Credit, please phone our Money Advice Team as soon as possible on 01204 328000. 

Over the last year, our Money Advice Team has helped our customers make £10.6million in financial gains and savings. This includes energy bill savings through tariff reviews and meter changes. 

Advice and support to manage rising energy costs is also available from our expert energy adviser Tom Kirby.

Tom works for our social enterprise Starts with you and can help you to reduce your energy bills and save money.

Tom will do this by:

  • reviewing your energy tariffs;
  • advising on winter fuel payments;
  • providing energy saving advice.

You can reach Tom on 07782 522498 or by email at Tom.Kirby@startswithyou.org.uk

 

Keep warm for less this winter

There are actions we can all take right now to start saving energy, lowering bills and be comfortable this winter.

 

Please don’t hesitate to phone us on 01204 328000 if you’re concerned about the energy price increases or changes to Universal Credit.