The global climate is changing, and Australians are already experiencing an increase in natural disasters that has been exacerbated by climate change. Community Housing Providers (CHPs) are increasingly impacted by climate change risks as they provide housing to some of Australia’s most vulnerable community members in dwellings of mixed quality and resilience. This roadmap has been written to help CHPs understand climate change risk as it pertains to community housing organisations and their tenants
Working through this roadmap will help guide CHPs through the complexity of climate change risk management. The roadmap encourages an informed, staged and collaborative approach and offers resources to assist at every part of the journey. There will obviously be variation in the detail for each CHP as all providers are different and serve local communities across different climatic zones in Australia. However, these actions will guide you on the journey to improve your climate resilience and readiness.
The Community Housing Climate Action Network (CHCAN) was established by ACH with the support of Australian state and territory community housing peak bodies, to help the sector prepare for the inevitable impacts of climate change and reduce climate change causing emissions within their housing portfolios. The network is intended to be a community of practice to enable collaboration, the sharing of knowledge, resources and experience to help build our skills in this complex area.
For information on the CHCAN network contact ACH via admin@australiancommunityhousing.org.au
Internal engagement and assessment to develop the case and understanding for action
External engagement to ensure tenants understand the long-term benefits and accept short term disruption, and suppliers understand new requirements.
Building an understanding of current housing conditions and CHP emissions profile, setting a benchmark for housing performance & emissions. This is also a chance to gauge internal knowledge, skills & identify what external resources may be needed.
Prioritise actions with best value for money. Consider setting a minimum performance benchmark and adopting design guidelines for new dwellings. Specific actions could include:
- Installing insulation
- Draught proofing
- Appliance replacement
- Improved glazing
- Solar PV installation
Develop the business case for action that can set out the:
- Environmental benefits
- Cost to implement
- Social benefits
The action plan could include steps like:
- Reporting to board and external stakeholders
- Prioritise actions and dwellings to be improved
- Engagement with property owners
- Tenant training and raising awareness
- Onsite works
- Database update
- Monitoring of performance, survey of tenants
The ‘doing’ part of the road map.
Can be undertaken over a number of years, noting changes as experience builds.
Applying lessons earned during the implementation phase and from other CHCAN members and their collective experience.