7 November 2008 - A Green Euro-MP has today called for a sustainable and responsible housing strategy for the South East of England to give residents a stake in their communities and reduce the region’s eco footprint.

Speaking at the launch of Radian Housing’s sustainable housing strategy, Eco Action, MEP for the South East Dr Caroline Lucas paid tribute to the housing group for its role in promoting a powerful and hopeful vision of zero carbon living.

She commented: "Sustainable communities are much more than just bricks and mortar. Responsible housing must give equal weight to environmental, social, cultural and economic needs – and the members of the Radian group have realised that.

"Unfortunately, ‘sustainable development’ and the 21st century buzzword ‘regeneration’ now often mean turning run down areas into high profile retail, unaffordable housing or office developments for high profit, with promises about job creation for local people often ringing hollow."

Dr Lucas first came across Radian’s work in the context of the Drum Housing Association, when she visited some of their properties in Hampshire last year. Drum has shown a commitment to reducing the organisational eco footprint, alongside strategies to genuinely promote resident ownership and community engagement. For example, tenants can participate in an ‘estate watch’ programme or join the housing association board.

Some of Drum’s refurbished properties now carry the "Generation Homes" benchmark, which requires that annual household carbon dioxide emissions are slashed by at least 60%.

The Green MEP continued: "It is crucial that housing developments are designed to engender a sense of community. Residents must be given genuine opportunities to participate in decision-making regarding their homes and areas.

"To create safer and happier communities that are socially and environmentally sustainable, we need groundbreaking environmental design, as well as a commitment to ensuring the provision of local employment and well-insulated, affordable homes.

"The current credit-fuelled financial crisis offers an unprecedented opportunity to change the way we live and start the much-needed shift towards a truly sustainable economy."

Dr Lucas concluded: "Those who think that we cannot afford environmental measures at a time of economic crisis are wrong. By committing to low eco footprint living, you are investing in a good business model, as well as environmental and social benefits. There is no doubt about it; our future – and that of our housing – is zero carbon."

ENDS