Green strategy

Green-strategy

The green strategy contributes to the delivery of our vision by providing a framework to ensure environmental sustainability of the organisation and its housing provision, thereby improving value for money and quality of life for residents.

We are focused on making improvements in five environmental areas. Click the headings below to find out what we hope to achieve:

1. Green governance and culture – the adoption and promotion of environmentally conscious practices.: Complete the roll out of Lean Foundation by April 2012, measuring waste and storage space reduction.
Launch green champion and green communications plan by July 2012.
Identify and support residents to be green champions in their local communities (date to be confirmed).
Develop a training centre for staff and contractors to learn about the systems and technologies we install for residents by April 2013.
Implement proposals to introduce 'Carbon in Homes' driving licence to selected Property Services staff by April 2013.
2. Reduced CO2 emissions – understanding our carbon emissions and where these can be cut.: Continue to monitor, research and pilot new technologies as opportunities and capacity allow.
Agree resources for an environmental impact assessment no later than 2013/14.
Adopt and implement the new Asset Management Strategy from August 2012.
Recruit an Energy Manager by August 2012 with responsibility for improving efficiency of existing homes with carbon reduction targets to be achieved.
Work with joint ventures and other contractors to set and achieve carbon reduction targets.
Rationalise office premises by March 2015.
Build majority of new homes to code level 4 (sustainable homes rating) by April 2014.
Deliver North West Bicester eco town in line with agreed timescales.
Develop and pilot a Flexible Working Policy for implementation in 2013/4.
3. Affordable warmth – reducing residents’ exposure to extreme fluctuations in fuel prices.: Evaluate Chop Clocks pilot by October 2012.
Pilot and evaluate full house energy monitors to look at gas, electricity and water usage by April 2013.
Adopt training programme to enable property services and housing officers to give energy saving advice to residents in 2012/13 (timescales being finalised).
Introduce energy saving packs as part of the new planned maintenance framework 2013/14.
Undertake project to retrofit pre-payment systems (timescale to be confirmed).
4. Sustainable approach to waste, water and purchasing - minimising water use in homes and offices, reducing consumption, reusing and recycling where possible.: Agree timetable for providing advice on money saving and water efficiency in the home by March 2013.
Continue to install water efficient fixtures and fittings as part of our programme of planned maintenance.
Update group procurement policy to ensure environmental considerations by August 2012.
Research alternative funding sources and models by March 2013 and ongoing.
Undertake recycling campaigns and communications for residents as part of our calendar of green communications (various dates).
5. Sustainable land use, enhanced biodiversity and adapting to climate change – mitigating against the detrimental effects the built environment has on nature.: Develop landscaping specification as part of design briefs by April 2013.
Set up wild areas and set up bird boxes on 14 estates by September 2012.
Engage residents in gardening workshops or initiatives and promote the benefits of using outdoor space as part of the Resident Involvement Programme of activities.
Use flooding as a scenario for next contingency planning exercise, December 2012.