USW secures funding for innovative net-zero housing training project

The University of South Wales (USW) has secured £88,739 in funding for a new project that will help housing professionals work together more effectively to improve the energy efficiency of social housing across the Swansea Bay City Region.

Buildings account for around 40% of the UK's carbon emissions, making them a key focus in efforts to reduce carbon emissions, lower energy bills, and create a more sustainable future.

Over the next year, USW researchers will develop a new training programme for people involved in upgrading social housing. Rather than focusing solely on technology, the project will help housing professionals improve the communication and decision-making skills needed to deliver successful energy-efficiency improvements.

The training will use realistic simulations, allowing participants to work through real-life scenarios and explore the impact of their decisions. Housing associations, local authorities, contractors, and other partners will take part in exercises designed to improve collaboration and help organisations learn from one another.

Up to 150 professionals will take part in the training programme, which has been developed with support from organisations including Codi Group, United Welsh, Caredig, Swansea Council, Beacon Cymru, and Sero.

Dr Dan Bowers, Head of Psychology and Project Lead, said: “We are delighted to receive this funding and the opportunity to build on the work of USW’s Housing and Health Research Network.

“The project is particularly important for the Swansea Bay City Region (SBCR), which has around 50,000 social housing properties and is investing heavily in housing decarbonisation.

“A lot of attention has been given to the technologies needed to reach net zero, but technology alone is not enough. We believe that better coordination between organisations can help maximise the benefits of investment and improve outcomes for tenants.”

David Bould, Project Manager for The SWITCH to Net-Zero Buildings, said: “This is an exciting collaborative project which will transfer research outcomes into real-world applications to address the skills gap in adopting renewable technologies.

“The training will enhance the regional expertise and support available to residents, improving their experience of living in decarbonised homes, and supporting the SBCR’s transition to a low carbon economy.”

The funding has been awarded through the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council's ‘Switch to Net Zero Buildings Place Based Impact Acceleration Account’.