Exploring the adoption of low carbon technologies by Scottish housing associations

Housing associations (HAs) are responsible for building and managing approximately one-third of affordable homes in Scotland. The adoption of low carbon technologies (LCTs) by HAs presents an area that could potentially help towards reducing the carbon footprint of affordable housing and the fuel poverty of tenants. This research thus explores the issues pertaining to the adoption of LCTs from the perspective of two Scottish HAs. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with selected members of the management team in both HAs. The empirical findings revealed that HA-related issues (such as organization culture, being a learning organization and training) and tenant-related issues (such as social cohesion, change in behaviour and training) can both impinge on the adoption of LCTs in HAs. It is contended that there is a piecemeal adoption of LCTs and if mass adoption is to be realized, this will require a nationwide programme that is aimed at supporting the adoption of LCT, in addition to building the skills capacity of the construction industry which is seemingly ill-prepared.