Asset Management of low-zero carbon technology in social housing

Kempton, JA

Abstract

Purpose – Households account for 27 per cent of the UK's total CO2 emissions therefore addressing housing energy efficiency has become a priority. Low-zero carbon technologies (LZCTs) for both new-build and the existing housing stock are one mechanism to reduce CO2. A gap in previous research into the subject was identified – the ongoing maintenance or “Asset Management” of LZCTs. This is important, inefficient or ineffective Asset Management may have a negative impact on the sustainability of energy efficient housing stock from a number of perspectives, including physical, social and economic. This paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach – The research presents a sector based study of the English social housing sector with seven individual organisations (known as “Registered Social Landlords”) represented by senior Asset Management practitioners, providing the units of analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to evaluate the past, current and future ability of the sector to successfully maintain LZCTs. The interviews were coded and a theme/sub-theme building process undertaken.

Findings – The interview analysis yielded three main themes (Asset Management Planning, Maintenance Skills and Occupier Impacts) and 12 sub-themes. Some of these confirmed findings from the literature review but others had not been previously located including inter-departmental conflicts and occupiers taking responsibility for maintenance.

Originality/value – A paucity of previous work specifically relating to Asset Management and LZCTs in the social housing sector was found. The findings should therefore be of interest to a wide range of stakeholders including registered providers, asset managers, surveyors, developers and policy makers.

Citation

Kempton, J. (2014). Asset Management of low-zero carbon technology in social housing. Structural survey, 32(1), 14-31. https://doi.org/10.1108/SS-09-2012-0027

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2014
• Deposit Date: May 2, 2014
• Journal: Structural Survey
• Print ISSN: 0263-080X
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 32
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 14-31
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/SS-09-2012-0027
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/SS-09-2012-0027