The conference, which will be opened by WWF’s UK Director of Campaigns, Colin Butfield, will include expert presentations from government and practitioners, followed by round table discussions plan real action risks and challenges facing housing providers.

Why people are coming

The UK’s climate is changing. This will affect us, our homes and residents. Drought or water scarcity, flooding and overheating are increasing and are putting us at risk.

Did you know that there are 21 million people living in 9 million homes in areas of high risk for climate change symptoms? Do you know whether your homes are at risk? Is your organisation prepared?

Government and housing bodies are starting to act on climate change. This conference will help you to find your priorities and work with others to share experiences.

Recent symptoms of climate change

·         In 2010, two droughts in Scotland and North West England. Two areas that were projected to never need water efficiency measures.

·         In November 2009, hundreds of people were made homeless in Cumbria from flood waters which cost housing providers millions of pounds and ruining homes.

·         Tornados in Bimingham and London in 2005 and 2006 respectively.

·         In 2006, there was a heatwave that caused the most severe drought in 10 years and the heat wave in 2003 caused in excess of 2000 deaths in the UK.

What awaits you at the event?

There will be many topics centred on drought, flooding and overheating. Education and the changing of habits are integral to saving water and building more comfortable homes.

·         The Homes and Communities Agency outlook for the future?

·         With the grey skies in UK, why should people care about water scarcity? DEFRA will build on this and also provide a “how to” guide for water efficiency

·         Engaging a country can be quite intensive, so hear how successful engaging a community can be from Waterwise and Greenfields Community Housing.

·         Know more about the impact of climate change on your homes with Environment Agency who are apart of the largest national disaster preparedness scheme.

·         Viridian Housing will provide another case study about adapting their homes for flood risk. If you don’t know where to begin, this may provide you with the information you seek.

·         Arup will give you top design tips for regulating the temperature within your homes, thus reducing the potential for overheating.

An agenda for the day can be found here.

If you want to be on top of the issues and get first hand information, attend the March Climate Change Conference.