MCS contributes to Manchester’s Low Carbon Homes Ambition
11 November 2019
On Thursday 14th November, the doors to the North West edition of Low Carbon Homes will open in Manchester. Part of a series of nationwide regional events, the organisers have worked with Manchester City Council, Manchester Climate Change Agency and wider stakeholders to put together a programme for speakers and delegates to tackle the particular challenges of retrofitting existing housing stock, while helping to develop the Zero Carbon Framework, and the city’s emerging Zero Carbon Housing Strategy.
Last year, Manchester City Council adopted new science-based climate change targets on behalf of the city, to rapidly cut emissions from 2015 levels by 50% by 2022, 83% by 2030, and down to zero by 2038. The city’s ‘Draft Zero Carbon Framework 2020-38’ document confirmed that – for domestic property – this would involve reducing energy demand and shifting to lower carbon heat sources, lifting families out of fuel poverty and saving residents money on their energy bills, as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Ian Rippin, CEO of MCS is supporting the event and sits as a speaker on the panel, he said: “The reduction and elimination of domestic carbon emissions will involve transforming the UK’s entire housing stock. MCS as an organisation supporting the sector, sees its role as providing confidence in home-grown energy. It is more important than ever that the sector benefits from independent, industry led standards and guidance that the next generation of renewable consumers can place their trust in. We are delighted to be involved; following the relocation of our national Scheme to the North West, it is encouraging to see Manchester’s proactive response to climate change targets and we want local stakeholders to understand what role MCS plays.”
Jonny Sadler, Programme Director of Manchester’s Climate Change Agency, and speaking on the Low Carbon Homes programme, emphasises that: “Bringing Manchester’s existing housing up to a zero carbon standard is a vital component of our zero carbon ambition, which will not only improve the wellbeing of our residents, but will stimulate a retrofit market, boosting our local economy.
“We need local businesses, home-owners, landlords, Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester, Government and others to come together to help create an ambitious programme of zero carbon improvements across the city. The Low Carbon Homes event is a key part of kick-starting this hugely exciting work.”
The event will be attended by architects, heating engineers, local authorities, landlords, contractors and related sector professionals and features plenary sessions, practical workshops, training and exhibitors covering interests such as the fabric first approach, heat pumps, heat system design, BEIS trials and local policy and supply chain development.
