| Strategic objective |
Action / Targets |
Progress 2006/2007 & future actions |
| To strive for continual environmental performance improvement, thereby reducing the Company’s environmental impacts. |
Design and construct more sustainable buildings in accordance with BRE Green Guide, BREEAM and the Code for Sustainable Homes. |
During the reporting period all our homes were assessed against BREEAM/EcoHomes and the Green Guide, in advance of the impending Code for Sustainable Homes. 63% (2006 – 55%) of our homes will achieve at least a ‘Good’ or better EcoHomes rating.
Whilst the Group will continue to assess all homes against EcoHomes on applicable sites, the Code for Sustainable Homes has superseded EcoHomes.
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| Reduce site construction waste by 5% annually based on sample data. |
Construction site waste has decreased significantly by 18%. This is pleasing given previous year’s performance (increased by 9%). Our overall performance is considerably better than the BRE Best Practice Benchmark.
We are currently working with Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) and Recyclable Market Development (ReMaDe) to ensure our approach meets the impending Site Waste Management Plans regulations.
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| Monitor carbon profiling of Group's headquarters and car fleet and reduce CO² emissions by 5% annually. |
Carbon dioxide reduction strategies continue to improve our carbon footprint. During the reporting period this has resulted in a 14% decrease in emissions from our company car fleet (2006: - 13%). Head Office and our Northern office performance have also seen a decrease in emissions of 8% (2006: - 9%). In addition, in 2008, we will introduce a Green Travel Plan and we will continue to review our car policy and offer the choice of more efficient cars and alternative travel options. |
| Measure Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) ratings and maintain performance. |
The energy efficiency of the Group’s new homes is demonstrated to our customers by displaying Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) rating notices in all our homes. Our average SAP ratings show a 2% improvement on 2006 performance, comparing favourably with industry benchmarks.
The improvement in SAP ratings is synonymous with the increased level of homes meeting an EcoHomes ‘Good’ or better rating. With the implementation of the Code for Sustainable Homes and improved levels of energy efficiency, SAP performance is expected to be further enhanced.
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| Carry out Environmental Site Audits. |
To ensure that high standards are constantly maintained at all our developments we carry out monthly environmental site audits. As part of the audits, each subsidiary company’s performance is benchmarked against specific legislative and best practice environmental criteria. In 2007 100% (2006 - 100%) of our developments achieved our 80% benchmark.
With the introduction of the Code for Sustainable Homes, the need for early comprehensive environmental site audits is imperative to safeguard existing ecology.
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| Benchmark paper/waste recycling: improve recycling by 5% annually |
Improved working practices have lead to a 15% improvement in the amount of waste paper and cardboard sent for recycling from our offices. |