The impacts of climate change, resource over-use, wastefulness and habitat destruction are already having devastating effects globally. As a social housing provider, we have an important role to play in reducing these environmental impacts and ensuring that households are supported through the transition to environmental sustainability.
Even as efforts to tackle climate change are ramped up, global temperatures continue to climb and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent. We must ensure that the homes we manage are not only energy efficient and comfortable, but water-efficient, flood resilient and adapted to cope with rising temperatures.
“We need to deliver at pace if we’re going to meet ambitious national targets on housing energy efficiency, carbon emissions and environmental improvements. To ensure our success, we are putting resident involvement, stakeholder collaboration, and employee upskilling front and centre of our plans. Every department has a role to play in improving our sustainability and ensuring the changes work for residents.” Cecily Church, Head of Sustainability
We are carrying out works to improve the green spaces we manage and to make our homes more energy efficient, comfortable and low-carbon. Find out about our current work on our Warm Home Improvements page .
Our Ambition for 2030
Energy performance – we aim to improve the energy efficiency of our residents’ homes where possible, bringing them up to EPC C, and lowering carbon emissions. These changes will make homes more sustainable, comfortable and affordable to heat.
Road to net zero – we will reduce our carbon footprint to become a fully sustainable net zero organisation by 2050.
Lessen our environmental impact – we will work with our supply chain and other stakeholders to assess and take steps to reduce waste and pollution. We will increase sustainable management practices across our green spaces and raise levels of responsible sourcing.
Preparing for a warmer world – we will identify the highest risk areas so that we can target climate resilience initiatives effectively.
Measuring Success
Energy efficient homes – bringing all homes up to EPC C where practicable by 2030.
Environmental training for employees and residents – ensure employees embrace new ways of working and bring residents on the journey to ensure success.
Using data effectively – insights from live property data will verify that changes we make deliver the expected results.
Decarbonisation plan – minimise carbon emissions from assets and operations using our developed roadmap.
SHIFT Gold – achieve a Gold award in the sustainability standard for the social housing sector.
