Environmental
Theme 1: Climate change
Criteria 1. Distribution of EPC rating of existing homes
| EPC rating | ||||||
| Year | A | B | C | D | E (or below) | Total |
| 2023/24 | 0.3% | 5.3% | 80.7% | 12.9% | 0.7% | 100% |
| 2022/23 | 0.4% | 5% | 80.8% | 13.8% | 1.6% | 100% |
| 2021/22 | 0% | 3.2% | 80.7% | 14.4% | 1.7% | 100% |
| 2020/21 | 0% | 3.1% | 74.9% | 19.9% | 2.1% | 100% |
86% of our housing stock has achieved an energy efficiency rating of EPC C or above, an increase of 226 properties throughout the year. The average SAP rating is 72.6 and we will meet the Government’s target of 100% EPC C or above by 2030.
To support the Government’s aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, 50% of new build homes from 2023/2024 will be carbon neutral. The balance of new build homes from 2023/2024 will be EPC A and all new homes will be ‘off gas’ by 2025.
Criteria 2. Distribution of EPC ratings of new homes (those completed in the last financial year).
| Year | New homes | EPC rating | % |
| 2023/24 | 116 | B | 100% |
| 2022/23 | 119 | B | 100% |
| 2021/22 | 132 | B | 100% |
| 2020/21 | 92 | B | 100% |
Criteria 3. Does the housing provider have a Net Zero target and strategy? If so, what is it and when does the housing provider intend to be Net Zero by?
We are committed to achieving the 2050 Net Zero target mandated by the Climate Change Act. As a housing provider, our carbon emissions stem primarily from our housing portfolio and business operations.
Our housing stock is on track to become ‘zero-carbon ready’ by 2035. This includes upgrading all homes to EPC rating C by 2030, aligning with sector targets. These improvements will enhance energy efficiency, reduce heating demands, and lower carbon emissions from our least efficient properties while improving tenant comfort. A phased rollout of low-carbon heating systems will follow, timed to coincide with the replacement of existing gas boilers.
We acknowledge falling short of our 20% carbon reduction target for 2020. To enhance accuracy, we have refined our data analysis and will set a new baseline and target for the next five years (2026-2030).
A decarbonisation strategy for our business operations is currently under development. This will be a key focus during the creation of our 2026-2030 business strategy.
Criteria 4. What retrofit activities has the housing provider undertaken in the last 12 months in relation to its housing stock? How do these activities align with, and contribute towards, performance against the housing provider’s Net Zero strategy and target?
We continued our energy efficiency programme of works, installing ‘low-regret’ measures to 245 properties, including low energy lighting, loft insulation, smart thermostats and thermostatic radiator valves to below ‘C’ rated properties.
In 2023, Beyond Housing’s gas team successfully completed our first in-house installation of an air source heat pump. This replaced a solid fuel system in an off-grid property, significantly enhancing the home’s energy efficiency. By utilising our in-house team, we demonstrated excellent value for money. Building on this success, we will undertake all future reactive air source heat pump installations in-house whenever feasible.
We also completed retrofit assessments and designs for our Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund Wave 2 schemes, in line with PAS2035; for delivery to commence in 2024/2025.
Criteria 5. Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions
We acknowledge falling short of our 20% carbon reduction. To enhance accuracy, we have refined our data analysis and will set a new baseline and target for the next five years (2026-2030).
- Emissions - In scope/Out of scope
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In scope Out of scope Scope 1 Direct emissions: Combustible gases, kerosene heating oil and owned vehicles None Scope 2 Indirect emissions: Purchased electricity None Scope 3 Other indirect emissions relating to: Electricity transmission and distribution losses. And private vehicles used for work purposes
Employee commuting, emissions from hotel accommodation, couriers and suppliers - Carbon emissions by SCOPE category
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Carbon emissions by SCOPE category Apr 19 – Mar 20 Apr 20 – Mar 21 Apr 21 – Mar 22 Apr 22 – Mar 23 Apr 23 – Mar 24 Scope 1 CO2 (tonnes) Natural gas 377.0 260.8 388.0 323.5 308.4 Company-owned transport 556.6 567.6 530.0 541.0 742.3 Refrigerants 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Other types of fuel 0.5 20.0 20.0 0.0 0 Total scope 1 934.1 848.9 938.7 865.0 1051.2 Scope 2 CO2 (tonnes) Electricity 327.3 305.6 263.7 235.2 261.3 Total scope 2 327.3 305.6 263.7 235.2 261.3 Scope 3 CO2 (tonnes) Electricity T & D losses 27.8 26.3 23.3 21.5 22.6 Private transport usage 127.3 40.3 80.6 88.1 98.8 Total scope 3 155.1 66.6 104.0 109.7 121.4 Total CO2 scope 1, 2, 3 gross emissions (tonnes) 1416.4 1221.2 1306.4 1209.8 1433.9 - Carbon emissions intensity ratio
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Carbon emissions intensity ratio (tCO2e / employee) Apr 19 – Mar 20 Apr 20 – Mar 21 Apr 21 – Mar 22 Apr 22 – Mar 23 Apr 23 – Mar 24 Annual FTE employees reported 801 773 760 760 782 Intensity ratio metric 1.768 1.580 1.791 1.592 1.834 - Total energy consumption
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Total energy consumption (kWh) Apr 19 – Mar 20 Apr 20 – Mar 21 Apr 21 – Mar 22 Apr 22 – Mar 23 Apr 23 – Mar 24 Total annual energy consumption 5,835,868 4,671,705 5,886,493 5,467,299 6,322,886 - Emissions metric
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Emissions metric Base Year 1 Apr 19 – Mar 20
Year 2 Apr 20 – Mar 21
Year 3 Apr 21 – Mar 22
Year 4 Apr 22 – Mar 23
Year 5 Apr 23 – Mar 24
Gross tCO2e per employee 801 773 760 760 782 Change (gross) vs Base Year 1.768 1.580 1.791 1.592 1.834
Criteria 6. How has Beyond Housing mapped and assessed the climate risks to its homes and supply chain, such as increased flood, drought and overheating risks? How is Beyond Housing mitigating these risks?
We have conducted a comprehensive flood risk assessment, identifying 155 properties at risk from river flooding, 323 from surface water, and 32 from coastal inundation. To inform our response, we have established strong partnerships with local councils, and have access to their flood warning plans. Alongside our own internal prevention measures, we are currently developing a strategic approach to flood risk mitigation, with implementation planned throughout 2024-2025.
While we have not yet assessed drought or overheating risks, these climate factors will be incorporated into our 2030 Asset Management Strategy, including the development of risk mapping and mitigation plans.
Theme 2: Ecology
Criteria 7. How is Beyond Housing increasing green space and promoting biodiversity on or near homes?
A strategic approach will be developed as part of the 2025-2030 Strategic Asset Management Plan.
Development and new build
Going forward, the Development team will carefully consider biodiversity net gain requirements in all planning. This means ensuring new developments result in an overall increase in biodiversity compared to the site’s pre-development state.
For regeneration projects like Church Lane North, we’ve addressed this by repurposing underutilised space into private gardens, enhancing access without reducing green areas, and incorporating ‘pocket parks’ to create additional public green spaces within the development.
Criteria 8. Does Beyond Housing have a strategy to actively manage and reduce pollutants? If so, how does it target and measure performance?
A strategic approach will be developed in our new corporate strategy 2025-2030.
Theme 3: Resource management
Criteria 9. Does Beyond Housing have a strategy to use or increase the use of responsibly sourced materials for all building works? If so, how does it target and measure performance?
Procurement
Beyond Housing has a strategic relationship with Travis Perkins (TP), its main materials supplier for direct use. TP sources products and services from thousands of suppliers around the world. Responsible sourcing of quality products from approved suppliers is essential to establish resilient and transparent supply chains, and to protect the group and its customers from interruption or reputational damage.
In 2020, TP introduced an online risk assessment tool questionnaire to test suppliers’ commitments to responsible sourcing. The questionnaire covers a range of topics, including business ethics, labour and human rights, environment, health and safety, and product quality. TP also carries out site inspections for manufacturers of its own brand products and is continuing to roll out this programme to other suppliers within its group.
Beyond Housing works closely with TP to discuss up-and-coming products and a review of TP’s supply chain is a part of this analysis.
Development and new build
Previously, Homes England mandated Code for Sustainable Homes assessments for our projects. However, these requirements have been integrated into building control regulations. To uphold our commitment to sustainability, we now stipulate the use of responsibly sourced materials in all new build contracts as part of our design brief.
Criteria 10. Does Beyond Housing have a strategy for waste management incorporating building materials? If so, how does it target and measure performance?
A full review of Beyond Housing waste management activities was due to take place in 2023/24 with a view that a tender process and subsequent contract(s) would be implemented. This will now take place in 2024/2025. It is anticipated that the resulting contracts will address key themes such as improving recycling opportunities and ensuring that waste is removed in a sustainable manner.
Criteria 11. Does Beyond Housing have a strategy for good water management? If so, how does the housing provider target and measure performance?
A strategic approach will be developed in our new corporate strategy 2025-2030.
