In an era where sustainability and energy efficiency are at the forefront of our priorities, property owners, councils and housing associations are seeking innovative ways to make informed decisions about the energy efficiency of their properties. Embarking on the journey to improve energy efficiency within a large housing stock can be a daunting task, especially when there’s no clear starting point. This blog aims to shed light on the challenges and pitfalls associated with not having an overview or strategic starting point in the pursuit for energy efficiency. From wasted resources to missed opportunities, we’ll explore the impact of navigating the unknown in the realm of sustainable living.
In 2007, the government implemented Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). These certificates provide a clear indication of a property’s energy efficiency rating, offering a benchmark to assess the overall energy performance within the housing stock. It is important to note that EPCs have a validity period of 10 years, after which they must be renewed. Mandated for properties being sold or rented, the EPC plays a crucial role in establishing target ratings, especially in the context of rented properties, where adherence to specific energy efficiency standards is required.
The significance of establishing a clear starting point becomes evident when undertaking the journey to enhance energy efficiency. Similar to navigating uncharted terrain, attempting to improve the energy efficiency of a portfolio without a precise understanding of the current EPC ratings and fabric makeup is a futile endeavor. Prior to formulating a strategy to reduce energy consumption, conducting a comprehensive energy audit to evaluate the existing state of affairs is crucial.
Managing a substantial property portfolio poses a significant challenge in obtaining a comprehensive overview of overall performance from a centralized perspective. Many organizations resort to manually compiling data using spreadsheets, a labor-intensive process susceptible to human errors. This method not only requires continuous effort but also presents limitations in effectively representing and interacting with the data. In a recent case, a large property owner with approximately 10,000 properties employed a manual, spreadsheet-based system that was updated once every six months, taking two people six weeks to complete.
To address the challenges discussed, AIM Housing has introduced and implemented a feature aimed at ensuring a straightforward, rapid, and efficient overview of your housing stock. By simply importing an address list into AIM Housing, the platform automates the intricate processes, accurately pinpointing each property on the map and importing all pertinent energy performance data. This includes information on recommended energy improvement measures and the fabric makeup of each property. The platform incorporates an EPC overview dashboard, providing a convenient summary of all properties. The user-friendly interface allows for easy filtering based on various criteria such as recommended measures, construction, age, and energy rating. This functionality streamlines the process of devising a focused plan to enhance energy efficiency, making it an accessible and efficient solution for managing a housing stock.
in conclusion, AIM Housing has successfully addressed the complex task of understanding a housing stock’s overall energy efficiency, replacing manual spreadsheet updates with an automated solution. By simplifying the process, AIM Housing not only offers substantial savings in man-hours but also enhances the efficiency of the entire process, ensuring a clear plan for energy-efficient improvements can be made
Written by:
Danny McKeown
Operations Director
I am passionate about driving efficiency through effective solutions and prioritising the user’s perspective. Technology plays a crucial role in our approach, optimising our survey process and digitising our housing operations. By leveraging advanced tools and software, we enhance accuracy, reduce costs, and minimise disruptions to residents. Automation and digital platforms streamline workflows, improve data management and facilitate collaboration. Our commitment to efficiency and technology ensures high-quality services and client satisfaction.
Connect with Danny McKeown: