ABOUT THE EUROPEAN ECOLOGY NETWORK - EHEN

EHEN as a Network was formed in 1993, by a mixture of housing associations, housing departments of local authorities and consultants working with energy efficiency and savings in housing and with other aspects of urban ecology within the European Union (EU). The network may also involve other organisations from countries which have applied for membership of the EU or whose energy or other ecological policies and practices are relevant to the countries of the EU.

The aim of the Network is to identify and develop good practice in all aspects of ecology involved in or affecting the provision, management and serving of housing. The Network has specifically identified a range of subjects for current attention:

• Energy efficiency
• Energy generation, storage and use
• Water consumption an recycling
• Waste collection, separation and recycling
• Green spaces
• Healthy buildings and the elimination of dangerous materials

EHEN members believe that it is essential to involve tenants, owners and part-owners in the implementation of plans in relation to these subjects and the Network will develop models for doing so.

The Network also recognises the need for affordable warmth to be available to everyone and particularly to those with low incomes.

EHEN intends to lobby European and national authorities for resources and policies, which will enable and promote the development and execution of good ecological practices in the provision, management and serving of housing and associated amenities.

The Network is developing a common base of knowledge on low-energy housing on the basis of existing experience and new innovative projects and will concentrate on both new build and rehabilitation as well as energy renovation of the existing housing stock.

EHEN operates by exchanging experience and disseminating information obtained through innovative actions taken by members of the Network. The dissemination takes place through joint projects and by the organisation of conferences, seminars and study visits.

The strategy will reinforce the ability of the members to influence fiscal and administrative policies concerned with energy conservation, use and management in housing at national levels. It is the intention to be at the forefront of the development of best practice and to lead by example. The Network is an integral part of the housing movement and van have a profound effect upon the construction industry and the private housing sector. The dissemination aspects of a network target project will have an enormous multiplier effect.

The Network has approximately 50 member organisations from at least 14 European Member States.