Scope
RPS conducted an independent verification of Countryside Properties’ ‘Environmental, Social and Ethical Report (ESE) 2009’ (covering the period October 2008 – September 2009). The overall aim of the verification statement is to provide assurance to all stakeholders that the information provided is accurate and reliable. The terms of reference for RPS’s verification were to assess the appropriateness, credibility and soundness of the claims and commitments made in the report. In addition, RPS wished to judge the extent to which sustainability encompassing environmental, social and ethical measures are being embedded into Countryside’s overall business and operational activities. This is the ninth year that Countryside Properties has had its report externally verified.
Methodology
In conducting the verification, RPS verified statements and data through interviews with key individuals at Group level and document review. In addition, a sample of active sites was visited and selected issues audited. Evidence of target achievement was reviewed to ensure consistency with reported progress. A detailed debrief is also being provided to the Company highlighting areas of existing good practice and areas where improvement is advised.
Comments
During 2009, in view of the current business environment, Countryside Properties’ decision making processes have been focussed primarily on economic viability. Nevertheless, the company has continued to integrate sustainable development as a core value within its business performance and continues to be externally acknowledged as an industry leader with award winning designs.
In common with its peer group, the company finds the Government’s target for all new homes to be zero carbon by 2016 to be challenging. It is engaging fully with Government and industry groups in this important area and is progressing designs of its properties to achieve a minimum of Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3, where feasible.
Ongoing systematic management of its sustainability issues is maintained, with the use of management systems for quality, health and safety and the environment. As a differential to its peer group, all the management systems are externally certified for all parts of the business. Certification to Investors in People has been maintained since 2000.
Countryside Properties has again made progress against its core set of objectives and quantitative key performance indicators (KPIs) and is transparent in its reporting where KPIs have not been achieved. Particular highlights relate to the following:
- As in previous years, all homes built in the year were assessed against EcoHomes and 93% achieved a rating of Very Good which is an improvement on last year’s performance. Progress is also being made in assessing a number of dwellings against the Code for Sustainable Homes to levels 3 and 4 with 17,800 dwellings targeted, subject to planning.
- Achieved significant improvements in site waste management resulting in a 21% reduction compared to 2008.
- Positive performances were maintained against other industry benchmarks including SAP ratings, Considerate Constructors’ Scheme scores and the Health and Safety measure of Accident Incident Rates.
A less positive performance was achieved with respect to personnel issues such as the undertaking of Professional Development Reviews (PDRs). Unfortunately, the business priorities for the year did not allow these to take place but it is the company’s intention to re-instigate the PDR in line with the requirements for Investors in People.
To maintain and build on the Company’s progress, the following recommendations for future management and reporting of sustainability issues by Countryside Properties are suggested:
- Maintain the systematic management throughout the business, which is a key differentiator to its peer group, through the use of integrated management systems and providing appropriate training to staff at all levels.
- Further develop and monitor Company-wide quantitative KPIs which are linked with the Code for Sustainable Homes. In particular address omissions such as the monitoring of water use.
- Continue to build on the improvements already demonstrated and analyse where further improvements are needed. The Company should also review the reporting parameters chosen for KPis to ensure that they are consistent with its peers.
- Continue the proactive engagement with key stakeholders, and membership of relevant advisory panels, to identify material areas and targets to ensure that the reporting process continues to be relevant.
Conclusions
RPS is confident that this report provides a comprehensive and balanced account of the way that Countryside Properties has addressed and managed its environmental, social and ethical issues during 2008-09. The data presented is based on a systematic and robust collection process and we are satisfied that it accurately reflects the current sustainability performance of Countryside Properties.
Tanya Lloyd Jones
Technical Director
RPS Planning and Development, Oxford
17th May 2010
Crossways, Tower Hamlets, London
Frenchs Walk, Chelmsford, Essex
Lock 38, Cliffe Vale, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs