Housing Scotland Magazine April 2012

This month we have a strong focus on energy with an update on the second phase of our thermal imaging project (the ‘carbon portal'), on the government's district heating commission, and renewables. We have a report from our renewables event in March, and from Blackwood on its designs on energy efficiency measures.

Energy efficiency and fuel poverty remain key themes in SFHAs work. Consumer Focus bring us up to date this month on their research, showing the capacity and willingness shown by our sector in rising to the various challenges around energy. And we have a call to arms from Neil Clapperton to get over our fear of the unknown when it comes to developing energy projects, which could produce cheaper energy and help to fund new housing.

The shape of things to come is covered in an update on the new SHR framework for regulation of our sector and we summarise the new Social Housing Charter approved by the Scottish Parliament last month.

Housing need is universal, but particularly acute for some. One such group is veterans, men and women, who have served in the forces and found themselves homeless on discharge. We have an article this month about the work of Scottish Veterans HA in providing temporary accommodation and support, and seeking to find appropriate permanent solutions for their clients.

The eagle-eyed amongst you will notice that we've refreshed our logo, part of a programme of attention to our image as part of our move to new premises. We also have an article about the interesting history of the building.

Here are some articles in this months magazine:

• New SHR Regulation
• A Smarter Charter?
• Increase on District Heating Schemes
• Snap Happy Over Thermal Images
• Switching To Renewables
• 21st Century Heating in Rural Homes
• Housing for Veterans
• Renewables Funding Other Activities
• Devolving Housing Benefit?
• Making Housing Benefit Fairer