As a country we need more houses. The Homelessness charity Shelter claimed at the end of last year that 309 000 people were homeless in the country. Homelessness is a problem that includes the North East. The problem could be addressed by building new, environmentally sustainable housing, with much-needed green jobs for our young people, which will accompany the process, while older houses should be insulated as soon as practically possible, especially the homes of those who are struggling most to pay for heating.
Tyne and Wear Citizens UK have noted in Community Power for Citizen-led Just Transitions, that across the region, all communities have a vital role to play in mitigating and adapting to a rapidly changing climate in the places they live in and that this is especially true of the poorest who are impacted by climate change the most. They go on to record that progress in combating climate change has been mostly in the form of reducing greenhouse gas emissions through large-scale measures, such as changes in energy generation. These have been very important and welcome changes as we struggle with the existential problem of the Climate Crisis.
However, Tyne and Wear Citizens UK also note that these changes have tended to exclude many people in our society. There are many who would like to be involved in a just transition to a green economy, but wh need help with opportunities for housing insulation, community garden projects, community energy schemes, and the capability to share learning across communities that empowers ‘hyper-local problem solving’.
It is also pointed out that the scale of the changes needed requires everyone to be involved, while there are huge opportunities for change which tackle people’s pressing ‘cost of living’ challenges at the same time as the climate crisis.
Housing insulation: a right not a choice
Tyne and Wear Citizens UK also argue that people living in our region and especially those hardest hit by the cost of living crisis, must have a say in, and be able to act on climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts that affect them. One of the biggest areas for this is in terms of adequate housing insulation. Really, this should not be merely a choice, but a right that also reduces energy bills and contributes to a healthy standard of living.
It is further pointed out that it is perhaps a great irony, but still very true that while global temperature is rising, in the North East many vulnerable residents of leaky properties are still vulnerable to cold snaps, especially in winter. This means that they have to seek out ‘warm hubs’ such as libraries or social clubs, or even relentlessly use public transport to stay warm, where necessary. This is neither sustainable, nor humane. People must have a right to adequate housing insulation whether they live in private or social housing.
However, it was reported on 8 February that, “Keir Starmer is cutting back his ambitious home insulation scheme as part of his decision to scale down Labour’s green policy” and that people briefed on the scaled-back plan had noted that the party’s home insulation scheme, which had been singled out for attack by the Conservatives earlier, would be the major victim of the cuts.
In light of this news, it is interesting to note that the Insulation Institute claim that there are as many as five great reasons to insulate. As has been noted, home insulation can lead to greater energy efficiency and lower energy bills. It is also stated that there is, “generally a disconnect between the energy-efficient features most frequently being offered and those that matter most to home buyers.” It is also claimed that insulation can help homeowners; need to be helped by builders, while insulating homes can also mean more sound insulation. It is also asserted that insulation can lead to homes being healthier and that. “insulation and air sealing are a critical component of a whole-building strategy to deliver healthy homes.”
The new North East Mayor should do whatever they can to ensure that insulation of homes in our region is a priority and is particularly focused on those who most need the help in bringing down heating costs.
Community energy for all
Tyne and Wear Citizens UK argue that regeneration can also be helped by cheaper, cleaner energy from community energy projects. Community energy is energy produced at a community level to be used by the community. This could be a really positive option for many communities in the North East, but the prospect of community energy for those struggling in fuel poverty is probably at the moment out of reach.
Even if it isn’t, issues around planning and high-priced grid connections mean that it is very difficult for communities to develop their own community energy. Labour has promised a national green energy company, GB Energy, but perhaps the North East Mayor could complement that by helping to enable communities to develop their own energy co-ops.
There is already a lot of good work that can be built upon. It has been argued by Dr Henry Kippin, MD of the North of Tyne Combined Authority, and Professor Jane Robinson, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Engagement and Place at Newcastle University, that the North East is a driving force behind the UK’s move to a Net Zero economy and a Just Transition. They argue that the North East is in a position to lead the national Net Zero transition saying that:
“The North East can become a partner of choice for the industry and the Government for developing and delivering new technologies and solutions that will fuel green economic growth. The region’s industrial heritage positions it as the perfect place for developing and commercialising new solutions. An example of this is the key role played by the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult in the commercial development of the world’s largest offshore wind turbine blades. The North East has a rich engineering and manufacturing heritage, a legacy of skills and development sites in the right locations. It’s uniquely positioned, combining rural, semi-rural, urban and coastal areas. These natural assets can improve the quality of life, biodiversity and carbon sequestration. Innovation is at the heart of the North East, where new approaches are tested in real-time and at scale, and creative solutions to challenges related to climate change and adaptation are found. Working in partnerships, the North East is driving innovation and commercialisation, growing the supply chains of the future, making the region more attractive for inward investment.”
Two of the other areas which Tyne and Wear Citizens UK have identified that could be pursued in trying to establish a just transition are growing food for growing communities and divesting in fossil fuels and investing in carbon offshoots. In terms of food, we could take back green spaces to grow healthy food and to encourage biodiversity. It is also important that local authorities, including the North East Mayor, divest as quickly as possible from any investment in fossil fuels.
So, we have a number of areas in which the North East Mayor and local authorities could work together to improve housing and regeneration. We need new houses, but they must be built in environmentally friendly ways, while older houses should be insulated as soon as practically possible, especially the homes of those who are struggling most to pay for heating. We also need to develop green community energy, including green energy co-ops, while continuing to divest in fossil fuel industries and helping communities grow more of their own food.
Peter Sagar
With thanks to Gayle Purvis, Sophie Birch and Neil Fabian
