Our Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) report helps us to measure progress against our commitments to deliver a more sustainable future.
Our Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) report helps us to measure progress against our commitments to deliver a more sustainable future.
This is our second ESG report, following our inaugural report published in 2021-22 (see here). It covers our performance against the 12 themes of ESG set out in the Sustainability Reporting Standard for Social Housing (SRSSH), which are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's).
We are at the start of journey in terms of reporting against the ESG criteria. We also recognise the challenges ahead as we work towards our broader goals, such as achieving fully net-zero carbon operations.
But making a difference in people’s lives is a passion that underpins our core purpose, and the ESG themes around social value and climate change are core strands in our strategy to deliver Better Futures.
Highlights from 2021-22
Social
Our core offer as a social housing provider contributes to our performance against these themes. But, beyond this, we are committed to supporting our communities as a local placeshaper. We delivered:
- £23m in savings for our customers compared with market rents.
- £31k for customers in financial need via our partnership with Citizens Advice.
- Stopped using fixed-term tenancies.
Environment
Collaboration has been a key theme of our achievements in this area, as we start to push towards our goal of net-zero carbon by 2050. This year saw us deliver:
- £50m provisions for carbon reduction measures.
- The Greener Herts sustainability partnership, with neighbouring associations, settle and Watford Community Housing.
- Top tier performance among peers for our homes’ SAP and EPC ratings.
Governance
We continue to strive to practice good corporate governance and robust risk management. In 2021-22 we:
- Maintained our G1/V1 regulatory ratings.
- Announced our compliance with the NHF Code of Governance 2020.
- Were accredited as a Real Living Wage Employer.
- Improved diversity at Board level.
To find out more about our performance or view our full suite of annual reports, click here.