We are committed to playing our part in achieving decarbonisation targets and building a better environment for the future.
Our core purpose is to provide good-quality, affordable homes to people in need, and environmental sustainability is directly linked to this purpose.
Our Environmental and Sustainability Strategy aims to reduce our overall environmental impact, cut carbon emissions in homes, improve the long-term viability of our properties, and reduce tenants' energy bills.
We are working to meet government targets of building low-carbon homes by 2025 and having all our homes at net zero by 2050. Achieving net zero carbon emissions means removing as much carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere as is emitted.
We understand that we cannot achieve zero carbon targets on our own. We are involved in several zero-carbon partnerships.
We will continue working with the government, other housing providers, our tenants, and supply chain partners to share best practices.
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.
With decarbonisation at the heart of the social housing sector's agenda, more than 30 leading social landlords have joined forces to create the Zero Carbon Club. The group represents over half a million homes across the UK and a combined turnover of £3.1 billion.
As active Vantage Zero Carbon Club members, we have been looking at how registered providers and local authorities can collaborate to share best practices and maximise value for money in retrofit projects
Through our new Contract Management Standard, 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 on reducing 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).
