We’re delighted to share with you our second ESG report which demonstrates our ongoing commitment to delivering safe, sustainable, and affordable homes, while aligning our work with the Sustainability Reporting Standard for Social Housing.
We are pleased to report that we have made strides in embedding environmental and social governance principles into our operations. The 2023-24 report details our achievements in retrofitting homes, driving energy efficiency, and delivering meaningful customer support during challenging economic times.
Sarah Ireland, Executive Director of Strategy and Growth, commented:
"Our ESG report underscores our commitment to being responsible stewards of the environment, creating positive social impact, and maintaining the highest standards of governance and transparency. It reflects not only what we have achieved but also our long-term vision for building better, sustainable communities."
“This year’s report is a culmination of our collective efforts to deliver on ESG principles, providing a robust baseline for future growth. By setting clear benchmarks and tracking our progress, we ensure we are accountable to our stakeholders – our customers, colleagues, investors, and the communities we serve."
"This has been a transformative year for Accent. Our commitment to environmental and social impact continues to drive innovation, accountability, and sustainable development across our organisation for our customers now and in the future.”
Highlights of the report include:
Sustainability Leadership:
• Nearly half (48%) of our new-build homes achieved EPC A ratings positioning us as a leader in energy-efficient construction.
• Completed retrofit improvements to 112 homes, reducing carbon emissions and cutting energy costs for customers.
Customer-Centric Initiatives:
• Launched a new housing management model and a community development and
inclusion team.
• Supported customers with a specially designed "Fuel Poverty Matrix," a data driven
tool to identify and assist customers most at risk of fuel poverty.
Development Excellence:
• Accent’s first net zero development is on-site at Ripleyville, Bradford.
Commitment to Governance:
• Retained G1/V1 governance and financial viability ratings from the Regulator of Social Housing.
• Earned a SHIFT Silver rating in sustainability in the first year, reflecting adherence to rigorous environmental standards.
Our Corporate Strategy 2024-27 emphasises a focus on building sustainable, high-quality homes and delivering lasting change for our customers. We are delighted to be on track to meet our target of all homes achieving a minimum EPC C rating by 2030 and we have committed to a 10% biodiversity net gain in new developments from 2025.
Sarah Ireland added:
"This year we will continue to drive progress across all areas of our business. From reducing our environmental footprint to amplifying customer voices, our commitment to delivering meaningful impact remains stronger than ever. We will continue to expand our retrofit programmes, increase the energy efficiency of our homes, and launch a comprehensive Net Zero & Sustainability Strategy. We will build on our ESG foundations to adapt, learn, and lead the way in delivering sustainable, affordable housing that puts customers at the heart of every decision we make."
For more information you can read the full ESG report, here.