Henry Boot and Civitas Social Housing have each set out fresh strategies to lessen the environmental impact of their businesses.
Henry Boot has launched its Net Zero Carbon Framework, a guide for the business to achieve net zero carbon for all direct greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
The framework uses Henry Boot’s 2019 emissions as a baseline, with a first phase of delivering short-term reductions between now and 2025.
Steps include an energy and resource audit of all controlled sites; a fleet renewal programme that will see all fleet cars and vans be electric by 2030; a sustainable HGV renewal programme; a generator decarbonisation programme to replace all generators with sustainable alternatives; and an agile working programme to reduce business travel.
Chief executive Tim Roberts (pictured) said: “We have always been a business that takes a long-term strategic view, focusing on authentic delivery – and our approach to tackling climate change will be no different. The NZC Framework demonstrates the adaptability of Henry Boot, as we evolve our business model to support a cleaner, healthier planet for all of us – all while continuing to grow our business.
“All my instincts tell me that by doing the right thing, and acting responsibly with regards to our stakeholders, we will be creating long-term value in the business – and of course help create a better planet for us all to enjoy.”
Separately, Civitas Social Housing has struck an agreement with E.ON to lessen the environmental impact of its social homes portfolio.
The REIT’s national framework agreement with the energy provider will focus on reducing the carbon footprint of 55 properties with lower EPC ratings. It will draw on the ECO3 funding scheme, intended to make UK homes more energy efficient, cut the cost of energy bills, and reduce carbon emissions.
Michael Wrobel, chairman of Civitas Social Housing, said the project “reflects the scale and ambition of CSH to deliver significant environmental enhancements”. He added: “These will reduce our carbon footprint and enable residents to benefit from lower maintenance and energy costs, while preserving our target of progressive dividend growth for shareholders”.
The company said residential accommodation is responsible for roughly a fifth of the UK’s carbon footprint, with social housing reported to account for 10% of that.
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