Community
Saving Energy & Helping the Environment
The environment and sustainability are important to Yorkshire Housing. We aim to promote sustainable development and to be environmentally aware in everything that we do.
How we manage existing homes and build new ones
Yorkshire Housing is committed to providing homes that are comfortable to live in as well as being good for the environment. We aim to ensure that all homes are insulated to good standards and have efficient heating systems to minimise heating costs. So far we have received funding of £800,000 which has enabled us insulate 3208 lofts and 1682 cavity walls. We have a programme to replace single glazed windows with double glazed windows although this will take several years to complete. We have also provided 30,000 energy efficient light bulbs to our customers.
We also provide advice to our customers on ways that they can use energy more efficiently. This can include advice on best use of boilers and room thermostats, as well as ensuring that customers use energy efficient light bulbs. This helps our customers to save money as well as looking after the environment.
All new homes that we build will now receive a rating of 3 or above under the Government’s new ‘Code for Sustainable Homes' scheme. The Code is a standard which measures how environmentally sound newly built homes are.
We are starting to trial the use of renewable forms of energy in the homes that we provide. We have recently installed ground source heat pumps at properties in Slingsby, this technology uses the heat that is stored in the ground to heat the homes. This Project was boosted by receiving £22,394 in grant funding, almost a third of the cost. We have also trialed air source heat pumps at some homes in Sheriff Hutton.
The way that we run the organisation
We also consider the environment in the way that we run the organisation. We recycle paper and plastic bottles from our offices and encourage staff to turn off unused lights and electrical equipment. We promote car sharing to meetings and we encourage our staff to use bicycles to get to and from work through our subscription to the ‘Booost’ scheme.
The services that we provide to our customers
As a landlord we are promoting sustainable development by running initiatives such as 'passionate about the patch' and promoting community development, social inclusion, tenant participation and diversity.
We accept that we can do more to help the environment, whilst improving the services that we provide to our customers. In August 2008 Yorkshire Housing Association appointed Helen Amoako as Sustainability Advisor, and we are looking forward to becoming more sustainable as an organisation and in the services that we provide to our customers.
Find out more by following the links below.
Sustainable Homes
Getting Involved
Save Energy, Save Money
Energy Saving Tips
Pre-Payment Meters
Save Water, Save Money
Recycling
Gardening