Content

11.1

The
Housing Decarbonisation Manager introduced the report which briefed
members on the commission to RLB (Rider Levett Bucknall) to develop
a roadmap to carbon net zero for the Council’s housing
stock.
 
The
project directly supports Sheffield’s strategies and
ambitions centred on net zero carbon, tackling fuel poverty and
providing affordable warmth.

11.2

RESOLVED
UNANIMOUSLY: That
the Housing Policy Committee:-
 

1.    
Note the aspiration to integrate heat pump delivery
into future housing stock activity, and the outline plans described
in this report.

2.    
Note the funding shortfall and propose any
alternative options for officer examination to meet that
shortfall.

3.    
Note the ongoing retrofit delivery and
build-capacity activity.
4.    
Look forward to the final report from the external
experts.
5.  
Re-state the committee’s endorsement of a
fabric-first approach focussing on good quality insulation and
ventilation.

11.3

Reasons for
Decision

11.3.1

In order to
tackle climate change and as part of meeting the Council’s
2030 net zero ambitions it must take action to decarbonise its
housing stock. Fundamentally, this involves the transition to low
carbon heating solutions. Furthermore, it is essential to ensure
the fabric of the buildings provides the appropriate level of
thermal retention in relation to new heating technologies to ensure
household energy costs are not increased.

11.4

Alternatives Considered and
Rejected

11.4.1

The only
alternative is to do nothing. This would involve not delivering
focussed investment in the retrofit of homes, including improved
energy efficiency measures and switch to low carbon heating. This
would not meet the Council’s own aims and ambitions to tackle
climate change, and it is not sustainable in the long term as
national policy transitions away from fossil fuels. To not act
sooner creates a greater challenge and cost.