Leading social housing experts from across Europe were in Belfast last week at a major conference which will discuss the latest innovations and best practice in the delivery of new homes in our towns and cities. The European Federation for Living is made up of leading European social housing providers, as well as academics and housing specialists. This is the first time the conference has been held in Belfast, following recent years in Paris and Berlin.
The European Federation for Living (EFL) is the largest forum for social housing professions, with members from across Europe, including leading Housing Associations from England and Scotland and Ireland. Radius Housing, Northern Ireland’s largest Housing Association who manage more than 13,000 homes, is hosting the conference in Ten Square, in Belfast City Centre.
With more than almost 100 delegates from more than 15 countries attending the conference, the key focus of discussions were sustainability and regeneration, with Social Housing providers looking at how homes can be developed to standards which will play a role in tackling the climate emergency.
EFL Chairman, Ben Pluijmers said “We are delighted to be holding our Autumn conference in Belfast for the first time and look forward to enjoying the hospitality of the city. The European Federation of Living is a forum of over 70 members including the largest and most innovative social housing providers across Europe. We are committed to knowledge sharing and collaborate working on all aspects of social housing with members keen to share good practices and innovation in the field of neighbourhood development, tenant engagement and the needs of an aging society.
“With the challenges of rising fuel and living costs, the need to decarbonise existing homes and the opportunities around digitalisation and technology, there is tremendous scope for innovation and problem solving through collaboration. This conference comes at a pivotal time when people and communities across Europe and in Northern Ireland are in need of housing, care and support solutions which offer vale for money.”
Welcoming delegates to Belfast, John McLean, Chief Executive of Radius Housing and EFL Board Member, said “The issues facing social housing providers right across Europe are actually very common. We all are striving to provide great homes, while considering how we can improve energy efficiency in new build and through retrofitting. Radius has been involved in the European Federation for Living for a number of years, and we have seen the value in sharing our experience in social housing across Northern Ireland and taking the opportunities to learn from experts. We have seen the similarities in the challenges faced, and been able to bring new practices and innovations to our housing projects.
“The EFL is an example of how partnership working across nations is bringing improved outcomes locally. Radius is delighted to host the delegates from more than 15 countries to Belfast, where we can showcase the excellent work local housing associations are doing in Northern Ireland.
“This conference puts Belfast at the heart of the European social housing agenda.”