Our Environmental Working Party oversees the development and embedding of our Environmental Strategy and action plan to support our journey towards net carbon zero.
We strive to play our part in helping build a sustainable future and make a positive impact on society and the planet.
We are taking major steps in our environmental sustainability journey to not only reduce our operational impact but also to benefit our tenants. Our environmental sustainability services focus on increasing energy efficiency and building sustainable, safe, affordable, and healthy communities.
We have achieved this by implementing energy efficiency measures, such as installing energy-efficient heating systems and embracing renewable energy sources.
These initiatives not only make homes warmer and more sustainable but also help combat fuel poverty while providing physical and mental health benefits. Our corporate environmental efforts also include reducing waste and improving green spaces for nature.
This year, we have continued to deliver our Environmental Sustainability Strategy. This strategy covers all business activities, including existing and new homes, engaging with tenants, fleet transport, and office operations.
We are working towards the government's targets ensuring that all our homes are rated EPC C by 2030 and produce zero net carbon emissions by 2050. This means removing the same amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as we produce.
We are working to help our tenants affordably heat their homes and reduce fuel poverty by improving energy efficiency. This includes better insulation, more efficient heating systems, and renewable energy sources. These efforts also reduce our carbon footprint, cut waste, and improve natural areas.
Throughout the year, we have launched several initiatives to reduce our long-term impact on the environment and address fuel poverty among tenants.
Some of our initiatives include:
We are working with a specialist consultant, Adecoe to develop our approach to meeting all of the environmental targets for our tenants' homes, all Group-owned premises, including our offices, community centres, vehicles, and all activities.
We are also meeting regularly with South Ribble Borough Council (SRBC) to maximise opportunities to achieve their aim of making South Ribble carbon neutral by 2030 and will be working to develop relationships with local authorities in all of the areas in which we operate to support their sustainability and environmental targets.
We are actively involved in zero-carbon partnerships to reach zero-carbon targets. As part of the Vantage Zero Carbon Club, we collaborate with 43 registered providers and local authorities to share best practice and maximise value for money in retrofit projects. The group represents approximately three quarters of a million homes across the UK.
Additionally, through our new contract management standard, we require contractors and suppliers to reduce the environmental impact of work on our behalf.
We will continue sharing best practice with the government, other housing providers, tenants, and supply chain partners.
We are working with contractors and suppliers to reduce the environmental impact of work carried out on our behalf.
Our Contract Management Standard provides guidance and support for contract management processes for all Group business areas; this includes how we work with our suppliers to reduce their environmental impact on our tenants during the lifetime of any contract agreement.
Direct Works Forum (DWF) - Retrofit Group
We are active members of the DWF Retrofit Group, looking at retrofitting and how registered providers and local authorities can work together to maximise value for money in any retrofit and/or pilots carried out.
We are looking to get involved in shared retrofit pilots where we will make a small contribution towards the cost of retrofit works in return for specifications, procurement documentation, and outcome reports.
The group is also working on developing a shared national database of environmental/retrofit materials. The register will include details of all materials available and provide members feedback on suitability, cost, issues, benefits, user reference sites, etc.
Working with other housing providers to ensure that we learn and share experiences is a positive outcome of these challenging targets and will continue to develop.
Social housing decarbonisation funding (SHDF)
We have successfully bid for more than £650,000 in social housing decarbonisation funding (SHDF).
Highlights 2024/25
During 2024/25, we:
- set up a tenant group, Keen to be Green focused on sustainability that meets every six months to discuss our green efforts and receive feedback from tenants
- continued to improve the energy efficiency of our properties through an investment programme that covers insulation, energy-efficient windows and doors, and fuel-efficient heating systems
- completed a programme to upgrade the heating system at Saltcotes by installing high-heat retention storage heaters and new unvented cylinders
- increased the percentage of properties with an energy performance certificate to 81.1%. Improved our overall energy efficiency by increasing our standard assessment procedure (SAP) to 72.69
- worked with United Utilities on a fully-funded scheme to fit water saving devices at 418 properties to conserve the equivalent of 18,500 litres of water per day
- completed the second year of a two-year Department for Energy Security and Net Zero social housing decarbonisation programme
- successfully bid for £5.85 million Warm Homes funding to retrofit over 400 properties over three years
- developed a standard process for approving solar panels and electric vehicle charging installations
s - made significant progress in improving energy efficiency in our buildings. For example, we are delivering three communal LED lighting upgrades at Derby House and Tuson House independent living schemes and one of our supported living schemes, with estimated energy savings of up to 70%
- upgraded the heating systems at Ashwood Court and Charleston Court independent living schemes, including replacing gas boilers, building management systems that can be accessed remotely, and improving controls in the flats