Calls for more subsidies for energy efficient homes and efforts to focus on improving and growing existing towns and cities were raised during our debate on low carbon communities.

The first in a series of debates sparked lively discussion on the reality of creating low carbon communities. Over 70 people from across the sector contributed to the debate around leading issues including locality, community engagement, connectivity, old versus new and low carbon or no carbon.

There was strong consensus that we should focus on improving the green credentials and increasing the density of towns and cities rather than creating new isolated towns away from existing infrastructure like transport links.
Many believe subsidies should be increased and made widely available to encourage more homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

Throughout the debate, participants centered on the need for:

• More focus and resource into community engagement at the planning stage;
• A framework and long term management structure for new places to encourage involvement from residents;
• The adoption of European models for community-run low carbon developments such as co-housing;
• Greater public awareness about low carbon living and research into influencing residents’ lifestyle choices;
• Better skills for and understanding of community development;
• Stronger local authority-led planning and delivery; and
• The location of new towns to be near existing transport links, shops and schools.

Gill Taylor, Chief Executive, the HCA Academy said:

“In these challenging economic times we need to ensure that low carbon remains high on the agenda. The support and enthusiasm conjured by the debate is very encouraging and we need to continue to work together to share ideas, experience and knowledge to ensure that we rise to the low carbon challenge in conjunction with our European counterparts. ”

The debate provided a platform to launch a new research report that looks at lessons learned from international case studies, providing further insight into the latest issues and skills implications for low carbon developments.

A series of films supported the debate. They focused on:

• The impact of the climate change agenda on the built environment;
• How to encourage community spirit;
• The benefits of high and low density housing; and
• How to make the most of existing infrastructure.

The debate coincided with a home insulation feature on the BBC’s Politics Show (15 February) that focused on Kirklees Council’s ‘Warm Zone’ – a groundbreaking initiative that offers free cavity wall and roof insulation to all. Further details of the scheme can be found on the our best practice website, Showcase –
http://showcase.homesandcommunities.co.uk/

It also comes at a time when the Government’s draft Heating and Energy Savings Strategy sets out a plan for environmental improvements to be made available to householders in every home, in every street by 2030, to significantly reduce their emissions.

To review the debate, report and films please visit the debate page on Showcase

The second in the series of online debates will focus on cohesion and will take place at the end of March. Issues that will be raised include:

• Where do the biggest cohesion gaps exist?
• How can young people help improve cohesion?
• What effects will the credit crunch have on cohesion?
• Can cohesion be legislated?