Foreword  |  Introduction  |  Recommendations  |  Themes  |  About the authors ​
Climate change and the energy crisis have propelled one question to the top of the estate regeneration agenda – is it better to rebuild or renovate?   
  
Climate change has come into sharper focus over recent years, and since the publication of our first report there has been considerable groundswell to rethink regeneration with a stronger approach to sustainability. The ‘Delivering sustainable outcomes’ chapter in Altered Estates focused on a holistic approach to sustainability, and considered the social and economic benefits of regeneration and building new homes, alongside the environmental impacts. Action to mitigate climate change is now an imperative and may need to take priority over other objectives.

Government has enshrined in law the goal of the UK achieving net zero by 2050. Many of local authorities across the UK have declared a climate emergency, with a number focusing on achieving net zero carbon by 2030. Many housing associations meanwhile will need to demonstrate how they will meet the 2050 net zero target through their development and maintenance programmes. 

The standards for new and existing homes have been raised above current Building Regulations by many local authorities and housing associations. They are committed to delivering zero carbon, adopting Passivhaus or equivalent standards and, in London, using the London Energy Transformation Initiative (LETI) targets for new build and renovated homes.
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To read the full theme please download the report. 
Recommendations
  1. Social landlords need to conduct a holistic appraisal of the long-term future of every estate, including a comparison of the costs and benefits of alternative energy efficiency and climate change mitigation strategies.
  2. Government and social landlords need to prioritise alleviating fuel poverty and providing affordable warmth for low-income households by upgrading the energy performance of existing stock.
  3. Government should scrap the VAT levelled on renovation and remodelling to bring it in line with new build. The recent announcement of a 0% VAT for five years on PVs, insulation and heat pumps does not go far enough.
  4. Government needs to set out a comprehensive long-term funding programme for energy efficiency and climate change mitigation works to existing social housing and private stock.