Tackling climate change and creating a sustainable future is no small feat, but as a social landlord, we think it’s one of the most important things we can do. We’ve set an ambitious goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, and we’re making great strides to get there.
One of our top priorities is revamping our existing homes by incorporating energy-efficient solutions. We’re invested money from our Sustainable Communities Fund to support residents, schools, and local authorities as they join the fight against climate change.
Together with Blaenau Gwent Council, we’ve backed Wales’ First Climate Change Assembly, helping to shape the conversation around environmental policies. Our offices and independent living schemes run on renewable energy, and our head office is powered by solar panels. Our agile working policy that lets our staff work from anywhere, reducing CO2 emissions in the process.
Furthermore, we’re planning to transition our entire fleet of 60 vehicles to electric and have already installed charging points at our offices for staff and visitors. We’re also testing innovative, eco-friendly measures like radiant heating systems, insulating paint, and hydrogen boilers.
Our Executive Director for Innovation, Culture and Improvement, Adrian Huckin, explains the importance of our mission: “For us, as a social landlord, it’s not only important to do what we can to minimize our impact on the environment but also to create homes that are affordable.”
Collaboration is key to our strategy, so we’re partnering with organizations like Linc Cymru, Wales & West Utilities, and IGEM to trial hydrogen boilers and appliances in retrofit properties. We’re also part of the Carbon Literacy Cartrefi Cymru (CLCC) consortium, which brings together 27 Welsh registered social landlords to increase carbon literacy across our organisations.
Our dedication to reducing emissions and embracing green skills has led to positive changes in our staff training and recruitment. We currently have five apprentices who are not only learning traditional trade skills but also getting acquainted with cutting-edge technologies we’re implementing. Thanks to the Welsh Government’s Optimised Retrofit Program, we’ve been able to upskill our existing employees and collaborate with other housing associations to secure further funding for decarbonization training through a new Welsh business, Netret.
