Sustainability
In 2021 we committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. This target was driven by government legislation, but also by our desire to build and retrofit homes to modern standards. We own or manage over 7,000 homes, many of which were built in the 1960’s and 70’s. To bring them up to the required standard is going to take time and money. We have a sustainability strategy which outlines how we are going to do this and achieve our net zero target.
What have we done so far?
- We have installed solar PV to over 500 homes. Solar PV produces free electricity for customers to use to help keep the cost of bills as low as possible.
- We have installed wall and loft insulation to all homes where the construction type allows. The insulation helps to keep homes warmer for longer, so less heating is needed.
- We have installed a ground source heat pump to 12 flats in Epsom. This system replaced the old inefficient storage heaters and is designed to take heat from the ground in order to heat the water which provides the heating and hot water. This renewable form of heating lowers heating and hot water bills considerably.
- We have installed an air source heat pump in Haywards Heath. The systems takes air from the outside and warms it through a heat exchanger, which then transfers heat to the water which provides the heating and hot water.
- We have installed two electric vehicle chargers to charge the two electric vans that our neighbourhood wardens use. Look out for them in your area and give Glyn and Dee a wave if you see them.
- We are installing EV charging points at all our new build sites.
What are we doing now?
We are undertaking our first net zero carbon programme this year. The work will be done to 28 homes, mainly in the Salfords and Horley area of Surrey. We have targeted some of our worst energy performing homes and plan to retrofit them with wall and loft insulation, air source heat pumps, new triple glazed windows and energy efficient doors, ventilation, solar PV and a smart thermostat. This work will considerably lower the heating and hot water costs for these homes, making them more affordable for our customers. These works will start in the Summer of 2022 – we’ll be updating this page as work progresses.- The device in the photo allows us to monitor the energy performance of the home and ensures the customer is getting maximum benefit from the works we have carried out.
- Our first net zero carbon new build is starting in 2022 in Tadworth. These units will replace the older homes at Chavecroft and will be built using modern off-site construction methods.
- We are consulting with residents on rewilding many of our green areas, introducing flowers and fauna which will encourage wildlife to prosper. We are also installing swift boxes and providing habitats for bats in our urban areas so that these endangered species have safe places to nest and raise their young.
What are we planning for the future?
- Our net zero carbon programme will continue into 2023 and beyond, targeting our worst performing homes first. These works are expensive, so we are taking a measured approach to expand the programme in future years when the cost of these works decreases.
- New technology is coming to market each year so what we are installing now may change over time. Batteries that store electricity for use in the home is an exciting technology which could be installed in the future.
- We are aiming for our van fleet to be 50% hybrid or fully electric by the end of 2023, and we will be installing EV chargers in various locations locally.
- We will continue to build new developments to net zero whenever possible
- Our carbon footprint will be monitored and reported annually.
Webinar series – 2022:
Our continuing journey to net zero carbon
1. Wider sustainability – challenges faced locally. Webinar recording / presentation slides
2. Bringing customers on the journey – PlaceShaper’s Residents’ Voices in the Net Zero Carbon Journey research and Raven working with customers on existing decarbonisation projects. Webinar recording / presentation slides
3. Delivering decarbonisation – latest technology, supply chain / labour constraints and the launch of Raven Renewables. Webinar recording / presentation slides. Baily Garner’s Retrofitting Existing Homes toolkit.