University of Salford

The University of Salford has research dedicated to a range of housing issues, with a specific interest in sustainable retrofit. There are currently a range of projects ranging from materials sciences to community engagement all with housing as a specific focus. The interdisciplinary team, of approximately 20 academics, work in groups to address problems as faced by the main stakeholders in the housing sector. Many of these are focused around the Energy Hub, a Victorian terraced house built within a climate controlled lab. This house is designed to be used as a test bed for rapid testing, as well as addressing behavioural issues of residents. This project is at the centre of a wide portfolio of projects which includes, study of process of retrofit project definition, interventions to manage the take up and in use issues of retrofit for social housing residents, the understanding of the renewable supply chain for microgeneration, the adoption of innovation in multi-occupancy retrofit and the relationship between residents and new technology. This portfolio is growing all the time and we are working with a wide range of partners including the Greater Manchester local authorities, British Gas, United Utilities and a wide range of social housing providers.

Why we joined the Housing Forum

We felt that The Housing Forum has a committed membership of leading organizations who engaged in active an interesting debate around the main issues facing housing.

Website: www.scri.salford.ac.uk