Some social landlords are finding that they have to comply with new environmental reporting regulations under Government’s new policy of Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR). Although not all landlords are captured this could be viewed as the thin-end of the wedge when it comes to environmental compliance reporting. Whether you’ve confirmed that you are captured or not, it’s often better to be prepared for this kind of reporting on a voluntary basis rather than waiting until the last minute.
This blog gives a brief overview of SECR and shows how the SHIFT accreditation can help.
The first thing to note is that large organisations, including not for profits, charitable companies and unquoted companies could be captured. The requirements are to report:
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Both energy use and greenhouse gas emissions from your organisation
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Previous year’s energy and emissions – not required for the first year
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An intensity ratio – i.e. something like “GHG emissions per home managed”. This is good practice for environmental reporting as it allows year on year comparison even if your organisation increases in size.
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Energy efficiency action
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Methodology
We’re pleased to say that the SHIFT methodology reports carbon emissions in a form that will help social landlords comply with SECR. For the past 10 years SHIFT has estimated carbon emissions for offices, maintenance fleet and homes managed.
SHIFT also has an online reporting platform that allows you to keep track of previous years environmental performance.
In line with best practice environmental reporting, SHIFT has reported both absolute environmental impact (e.g. total tonnes of CO2 emitted) and intensity, (e.g. kgs CO2/m2 of office space).
The recommendations from SHIFT reporting will lead to energy reductions (as well as potential cost savings).
On the whole, this is a strong signal from Government showing its interest in legislative approaches to increased environmental performance. Although there are as yet no direct requirements on landlords to report, the writing seems to be on the wall. Other Government initiatives such as Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), Clean Growth Strategy, Future Homes Standard and the Fuel Poverty Strategy are certainly drawing out a new compliance landscape.
If you are a social landlord and wish to know more about SHIFT and how it can help compliance, please get in touch on [email protected]
Remember, as well as better environmental performance, a strategic sustainability approach can lead to financial benefits as well as increased wellbeing for staff and residents.
For more information on sustainable housing visit www.shiftenvironment.co.uk