Evidencing sustainability credentials is becoming increasingly important to businesses. Companies who have a plan to deal with climate change, which place sustainability at the core of their business and who report regularly on their progress usually outperform those who do not.
Companies such as Google, Unilever and Marks and Spencer have developed approaches to sustainability that not only enhance their reputations but also lead to identifiable business benefits.
Marks and Spencer’s Plan A led to a £160m net benefit to the business in 2022/2015. A recent Carbon Disclosure Project Report of the S+P 500 revealed that those who are proactive in sustainability had higher market capitalisation. They were also 54% more likely to understand and report their climate risks (and opportunities) to the Board.
We are now entering a world where we not only need to become more competitive commercially but also more competitive in terms of sustainability.
We are seeing more and more of this. SHIFT, the sustainability standard for the housing sector, has seen a doubling in the number of landlords undergoing accreditation. Two new organisations started the assessment recently, Radian, with 21,000 affordable homes located across the south, is committed to tackle fuel poverty and increase sustainability in their business, and Metropolitan Housing Group.
Lindsay Todd, Chief Executive of Radian, said:
| Lindsay Todd, Chief Executive of Radian |
“We are delighted to join the SHIFT accreditation scheme which fits perfectly with Radian’s longstanding commitment to reducing fuel poverty, building low carbon homes, and championing new ways to save energy, reduce waste and conserve water.
We strive to create conditions where people can flourish and it’s great to be part of this collaborative network of social landlords leading the way.”
Also becoming accredited is Metropolitan, with 38,000 homes in London and across the south-east, is also joining the network of organisations sharing best practice and comparing their performance. Now, more than 75 organisations are involved who between them manage nearly 1.3 million homes.
Andrew Eagles, Managing Director of Baker Homes, welcomed Metropolitan and Radian: “We are glad to have Metropolitan and Radian on board. By joining the accreditation scheme they are working towards independent accreditation of their impacts. They’ll be sharing knowledge with over 75 other organisations all working towards reducing costs for communities and tenants, improving work places and making substantial operational savings.”
The Baker Homes Index For Tomorrow is provided by Baker Homes, recognised by the HCA and backed by Government. It is an independent assessment and accreditation scheme that demonstrates organisations are delivering against challenging environmental targets. Other organisations to start the accreditation recently include Viridian Housing, Hanover Housing Association, ForViva, Plymouth Community Homes and Bernicia Homes.
SHIFT Partners include Wienerberger, Rockwool, Vaillant, Inside Housing, H + H, Ventive, tremco illbruck, BRE, Lightsource Renewables, Utilita Energy, and Mears Group.
For more information about the sustainability standard for the housing sector, have a look at this short 2 minute video here or contact us at info@bakerstimber.co.uk.