We have once again achieved the prestigious SHIFT Gold accreditation in our latest annual environmental assessment – securing 65.12%, our highest score yet.

SHIFT is the housing sector’s leading sustainability standard, and it operates an accreditation scheme which rates an organisation’s environmental performance as either bronze, silver, gold, or platinum.

Recognised by the Government, it measures housing providers’ performance across more than 20 criteria, including carbon emissions, energy efficiency, water management, waste reduction and climate change resilience.

Our fifth SHIFT assessment helps us to understand how our environmental performance compares to other social housing providers and we are delighted to be ranked second out of the 40 most recent SHIFT assessments.

The report shows 85% of our homes are rated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) C or above.

We are investing around £50m into our existing homes as part of our Cby28 programme which is reducing our carbon footprint and improving the energy efficiency of our homes.

Last year, we completed retrofit improvements in 763 homes, which has made our homes warmer and provides our customers with more affordable living. 

The assessment also shows that 100% of our new homes delivered last year were EPC B or above.

The report also outlines how 100% of our customers have access to energy and water saving tips.

Glynnis Poole, our Director of Investment and Sustainability, said: “We’re thrilled to have achieved SHIFT Gold once again.

“As the largest housing provider in the South West, we understand the crucial role we play in addressing environmental challenges and this recognition reinforces our dedication to creating greener, more resilient communities.

“We’re proud of the progress we’ve made but are aware there is still more to do as we build greener, healthier homes and communities for the future. This report gives us a clear roadmap on how we can continue improving.”