Green Issues

Here at South Devon Rural Housing Association we are looking at a range of initiatives which will help us, as a business, reduce our carbon footprint. We are also looking at ways in which we can promote ecology with our residents and save our tenants money on energy and water costs.
During 2005 we undertook a programme of increasing the thermal insulation to our properties. This included increasing or introducing cavity wall and loft insulation up the latest standards and where appropriate, insulating hot water storage tanks.

During 2006 we started by teaming up with South West Water to fit water saving devices in all our properties. We surveyed all our properties and ordered enough 'hippos' and 'rhinos', water saving devices which are placed in toilet cisterns, for everyone who wanted one. This should save both water and money for our residents.

For 2007 we created a community development budget which can also be used for initiatives which contribute to the environment. Following a survey of 'what our tenants wanted' we again teamed up with South West Water to purchase some water butts and composters at a highly discounted price. Tenants who responded will get either or both items and where necessary, the Association will install them.

During 2009 we purchased some 'grow your own' vegetable planter kits and raised bed kits, these were available to tenants who were interested in starting to grow their own veg.

During 2010 SDR tenants were encouraged to take part in the Transition Streets PV programme to enable them to have photo voltaic panels fitted to the roof of their houses to reduce energy bills. The enterprise was part funded by Transition Streets by way of a grant and by capital investment by SDR.

Let us know if you have any other ideas on how we can contribute to the environment or saving resources.

SAVE ENERGY, SAVE WATER, SAVE MONEY and SAVE THE PLANET.

In the future the Association will be developing policies and working practices aimed at contributing to ecology. Everyone can start to contribute now, each little action which saves energy, reduces waste or contributes to the environment will count. For example, if you are reporting a repair make certain that you keep any appointment made with the contractor - this will save the contractor having to make more than one journey. If the Association or a contractor contacts you to make an appointment, please make sure you keep it. Report only necessary repairs, save minor repairs until you have more than one minor repair or wait until you have your regular visit from your Housing Officer.

let us have your ideas and comments please.