Households Declare

[edit] Introduction

Households Declare! is an initiative that was developed in August 2021 by the activists group, Architects Climate Action Network (ACAN!). It was established as a network of UK households that are ready to declare a climate emergency.

[edit] Emphasis on retrofits of existing buildings

Members of Households Declare acknowledge the extent of the problem caused by emissions from existing homes in the UK. Some of these homes are amongst the least energy efficient in Europe. The organisation also states that homes currently being built will not satisfy standards required to meet zero carbon targets.

A central motivating factor for members of Households Declare is the push to retrofit those components within homes that may contribute to climate change. Modernising systems and equipment with more efficient materials, products and technologies will reduce the amount of energy needed and may contribute to improvements in comfort and general health.

Possible retrofit considerations under Households Declare include:

• Chimney decommissioning.
• Double and triple glazing.
• Ground floor insulation.
• Ground source heating.
• Induction cookers.
• Loft insulation.
• Room ventilation and heat recovery.
• Solar panels.
• Temperature controls.
• Wall insulation.

[edit] A practical action plan

The financial obstacles some households may face when investing in retrofits is one of the key issues of Households Declare. Members of the organisation are calling on the Government to create a tangible plan to limit the country’s emissions in a manner that takes these financial parameters into account. The plan should not exclude households unable to pay or push people into fuel poverty.

Members of the group are signing a letter to Alok Sharma (UK President for COP 26), calling for the Government to be held accountable for promises it made to build back better and establish a green recovery. Central to the organisation’s demands is a national retrofit strategy, including a clear roadmap to a zero carbon future.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• Architects Declare.
• Budget 2021.
• Ensuring a green recovery beyond the pandemic.
• National Retrofit Strategy NRS.
• National Retrofit Strategy v2 launches.
• Recommendations for implementation of the National Retrofit Strategy.
• Retrofit.

[edit] External resources

• Households Declare!