The government proposes to allocate DKK 30 billion (4 billion €) for green renovations in the social housing sector as a first step towards a green recovery of Denmark.

What is ASTER? ASTER is a special purpose company which will manage and finance investment programmes which tackle energy poverty. Social tenants will be enabled to reduce energy use and to access the benefits renewable energy. It’s a cross sector initiative led by the social housing sector. One of the main motivators of ASTER is that financing is sustainable i.e. does not count on the public budget. It therefore avoids political discussions, particularly relevant in Belgium, about who should pay for the energy transition.

Our column that introduces you to one of the people leading the work of our member organisations is back. In this edition, we cross the 'Chunnel' to meet Kate Henderson, the new Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation. Kate took over from David Orr in autumn 2018 the lead in the organisation that is the voice of housing associations in England. She provides with insights concerning the housing sector at the moment in England and how it feels "preparing for uncertainty". Plus, as usual, she unveils her way of balancing life with work.