Our Decarbonisation Engagement Officer

Ask Justine

Do you have a question for our Decarbonisation Engagement Officer?

Our Decarbonisation Engagement Officer, Justine, is available to our customers for advice on how to reduce your carbon footprint or questions about our journey at Hafod to net zero.

Have you got a question? If so, ask Justine here.

Dear Justine. We have lots of trees on our estate, what are the benefits of maintaining these trees within our community and why are they important?

"Trees do more than just form part of our surroundings, they play an important job in our health, happiness, and well-being. By loving and caring for the trees in our communities, we’re investing in a better future for us, our wildlife and environment.

"They play an important role in helping to combat climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide a key greenhouse gas from the atmosphere. They also prevent soil erosion and reduce the risk of flooding.

"Trees also improve the air quality around us by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen, making our air cleaner and healthier for us to breathe. They also provide shade and reduce heat, making our streets and homes cooler and more comfortable places to live, especially during the hot summer months.

"Trees also support local wildlife, providing food and shelter for birds, insects and other creatures, which helps maintain biodiversity within our built-up areas.

"In addition to these environmental benefits, studies have shown that spending time around trees can help reduce stress, anxiety and improve your mood. Just a short walk in a green open space or even viewing trees from a window can have a positive impact on our mental health.   

"Lastly, trees make the places we live more pleasant and attractive.

"For all these reasons, this is why trees are so important within our communities as they are vital to our environment, our health and happiness."

Dear Justine. I wanted to ask what your job title means? Hafod use an awful lot of words and new job titles that tenants don't understand. Other tenants have said the same to me. 

"Thank you for asking this very important question. As this is a newly created role, I think it’s important to explain what the term ‘Decarbonisation’ means. This term is associated with the fight against climate change and refers to the way in which greenhouse gas emissions, such as CO2 are reduced. Putting it very simply, it all about ‘carbon reduction’. 

"Hafod currently have a project across three of our sites, where we are reducing our carbon output by making our homes more energy efficient and we are also installing renewable energy sources there such as solar panels. 

"So, this is where my role comes in. It's my job to ensure that the customers on these three sites are with us at every step of the way on this carbon reduction journey and that their voices are heard.  

"I will try to ensure that everyone is happy, updated with progress and understand why the works are being undertaken. I also hope to highlight what benefits it will bring. These benefits will provide improved living conditions, reduce energy consumption, and help to save our planet. 

"You have also mentioned that Hafod often use words that tenants don’t understand. It's unfortunate that the industry sector that deals with energy efficiency related works and speak about climate related matters is very often heavily jargon related. 

"Again, it is my role to ensure that all Hafod customers understand our priorities in this area and I will try my best to ensure that any language used to describe what we are doing is simple and easy to understand. I have put together a glossary of key terms that you may find useful.  

"In addition to assisting with the energy efficient carbon reduction project, I am also looking at ways to work within our communities to ensure that our green open spaces are as wildlife friendly as possible."

Dear Justine. I've heard that water butts have been included as a new element in the recent update of the Welsh Housing Quality Standard, why is this?

“Water butts are a great way of conserving water and helping to reduce our carbon footprint which has many benefits for our environment. The less mains water we use, reduces the amount of energy that is needed to treat it, which all helps to reduce our carbon footprint. The water contained in water butts is a great way to water your garden and should help you save money on your water bill.

"Water butts are also useful in slowing and reducing the amount of rain that enters a drainage system. The risk of flooding and pollution into our rivers is lessened, as water running off gardens and buildings can overload drainage systems which can pick up pollutants and contaminate waterways.

"The water butts, where appropriate will be rolled out when a Hafod property becomes empty or at handover for new builds. However, not every property will benefit or be suitable as consideration will be given to the need, position of downpipes on properties and the space available.

"It’s also very important to follow the care instructions and guidance embossed directly onto the water butts once they are installed to ensure their correct use due to hazards of stagnant water to human and animal health.”

Find out more about the ways your can save water