The European Federation for Living (EFL) autumn conference, held recently in Leeds, was a day of discussions, learning, and international knowledge-sharing. Attendees gathered to explore some of the most pressing challenges facing the housing sector, with a focus on sustainability and decarbonisation.
A key-takeaway from the day was the emphasis on international collaboration as a driver of transformative solutions. One comment that particularly stood out was a reminder of our shared responsibility: “We are all responsible for the people living in our buildings.”
Luke Cross, who gave a ‘state of the sector’ overview and chaired a panel discussion with industry experts at the event, shares his highlights below:
Systemic change and affordability
John Hannigan, Chair of the Chartered Institute of Housing, delivered an insightful session on the systemic and regulatory changes necessary to tackle the affordability crisis. With so many households across the country struggling to keep up with rising housing costs, his perspective underscored the urgent need for action.
Panel discussion on decarbonisation
Moderating a panel with Branwen Evans from Places for People, Ad Hereijgers from Ritterwald, and Professor Vincent Gruis from Delft University of Technology was a privilege. The discussion delved into the challenges and solutions around decarbonisation, focusing on funding, supply chains, and the importance of cohesive government strategies.
An overview of the English affordable housing sector
I had the opportunity to present an overview of the English affordable housing sector, discussing its core purpose, the challenges it faces, and its critical role in the UK’s journey to achieving net zero. A significant theme of my talk was the funding conundrum and how housing can drive economic growth while keeping residents at the forefront of retrofit and sustainability efforts.
Learning from Denmark
Ulrik Brock Hoffmeyer shared insights into ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and decarbonisation efforts in the Danish affordable housing sector. Despite differences in context, there are strong alignments with the UK, particularly in the non-profit nature of the sector and the voluntary approach to ESG reporting. His talk highlighted the pioneering impact of the UK’s Sustainability Reporting Standard for Social Housing and its value in guiding the industry toward more sustainable practices.
A collaborative path forward
The event reinforced the importance of working together across borders. The UK housing sector can learn a great deal from our European counterparts as we navigate shared challenges and pursue bold opportunities to decarbonise housing, meet net zero targets, and develop sustainable communities.
A big thank you to Corneille Koppelaar and the EFL team for curating a thoughtful and impactful event. Thanks also to our hosts, Places for People, and to the many European speakers who presented in English, making the event accessible to all attendees.
Photo credit: John Hannigan