By Marjan van de Weg, Principal Consultant
The new Social Housing Net Zero Standard (SHNZS) has been on the horizon for those working in the sector since the public consultation launched in November 2023.
Since then, the Scottish Government has yet to announce when we can expect the publication of the final standard, which will replace the Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing 2 (EESSH2).
While this delay is frustrating, social housing providers can start preparing now for the new standard and take “no-regrets” actions to increase the fabric efficiency of their buildings and decarbonise the heating.
To plan for this, it’s essential to have a good understanding of how current housing stock meets the anticipated SHNZS metrics, what potential fabric and heating measures can be installed and at what costs.
While we wait for the final details on what the SHNZS will look like, based on all available information and the public consultation, we expect that SHNZS will at a minimum include metrics on:
- the fabric efficiency rating element (meaning a maximum level for the energy consumed for heat or heat and hot water in kWh/m2/year)
- the replacement of polluting heating systems with a net zero system
- the presence of ventilation systems
This confirms, as seen for EESSH2, that the starting point for planning decarbonisation and retrofit works is a robust housing stock dataset, which will aid an organisation in tracking progress as well.
In recent years, Changeworks has helped many social housing providers to prepare for EESSH2 by compiling their housing stock data into one dataset, identifying potential fabric and heating upgrades, and providing support in planning and funding works to meet compliance.
Making an impact with Loreburn
Our team recently won BE-ST Fest 24’s Technology Impact Award for our collaboration with Loreburn Housing Association. We helped to create an innovative Power BI map that enables Loreburn to develop a clearer understanding of their housing stock and archetypes. This will help shape and refine their retrofit strategy, improving both its efficiency and effectiveness.
Based on this experience, we have adapted our housing stock analysis service for the expected SHNZS metrics. This is to help identify “no regrets“ options that will allow social housing providers to keep working towards their climate goals.
We are currently analysing the housing stock of three housing association using these SHNZS-based principles. Our approach reflects that despite current uncertainties, the “knowns” around energy efficiency and clean heating outweigh the “unknowns.”
As a result, our SHNZS-based analysis remains similar to past compliance and planning assessments we have conducted with our clients. We collate and cross-referencing all available housing stock data, before identifying the applicable fabric upgrades, clean heating options and renewable generation measures across the stock.
Using detailed modelling based on typical RSL archetypes, we then estimate modelled increments in the SAP score and reduction in space heating demand using the current RdSAP 2012.
Once completed, this analysis helps our clients move forward with the retrofit of their stock.
Following this initial analysis, Changeworks can help social landlords to look more in depth at particular property archetypes or geographical areas and signpost for any funding opportunities.
Please get in touch to schedule an initial call to explore how we can help you with your retrofit goals.
About the author
Marjan van de Weg, Principal Consultant
Marjan combines her expertise in data analysis, statistics and data visualisation in her role as Principal Consultant. She manages the data analysis team who in recent years has helped over 25 social housing providers understand their housing stock and plan for energy efficiency and low carbon measures.
