In February, our Legal Officer, Dominika Leitane, represented Opportunity Green at the United Nations Office at Geneva during the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights’ periodic review of the UK. In this blog, she explains why OG took part, how the UN review process works and what the landmark outcome means for housing, the climate crisis and human rights.  

As the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights gathered last week in Geneva to review the UK’s track record on key human rights, we argued that the UK’s housing crisis is a climate and human rights issue. Urgent government action is needed to uphold human rights and reduce inequality.

The energy efficiency of residential buildings is emerging as an important lever in tackling climate change. Recent trends in climate litigation reveal an increasing focus on this area, recognising its impact on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and promoting social justice. Here’s why this matters. 

Why should you get a heat pump? They’re better for the environment, more efficient and will cut your energy bills compared to a gas boiler. But, as our CEO discovered, getting a heat pump installed in your home is no easy task.