We’re pleased to announce that Neil Diddams, West Kent’s Property and Asset Management Director has become the chair of Kent Housing Groups new asset management group.
In June 2019, the UK became the first major economy to legislate to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The aims of the new asset management group are to ensure asset management strategies are in line with net zero targets.
Neil, and West Kent’s Interim Property Development and Partnership Director, Richard Barwick recently shared West Kent’s approach to the green agenda with the group. 
West Kent has set its own goals to achieve the targets set by the Government including:
- No gas in new builds by 2025.
- All social rented properties to be EPC band C by 2030.
- All social rented properties to be net zero carbon by 2050.
But we won’t be achieving these goals on our own, we’ll bring our residents along with us on the journey and put them at the heart of the changes we make.
We have started to improve our understanding of our homes and data, plan our energy efficiency investment programmes and deliver net zero carbon pilot projects. These pilot projects will involve our residents so we can understand their needs and views throughout our net zero planning.
A ‘fabric first’ approach will be taken, ensuring all properties are correctly insulated to the maximum levels before looking at installing technologies such as solar panels and air source heating. Gas boilers won’t be fitted in new builds from 2025, but there will be one more cycle of gas boiler replacements as gas currently remains the highest efficiency for EPC ratings and, more importantly, the most cost-effective method for residents to heat their homes. 
Neil says more about plans for the year ahead: “Throughout 2022 we’ll continue to develop our plans in line with our fabric first approach and start a review of low carbon heating systems. Throughout this journey, we’ll put needs of residents first, prioritising homes with low EPC ratings and high fuel costs to tackle fuel poverty and carrying out energy efficiency work as part of our voids process to minimise disruption.”