Over 280 local and major councils have declared a climate emergency in 2019 alone and many housing associations are looking to identify what they can do to ensure they are responding positively to council ambitions for carbon reduction. With the Forest of Dean District Council announcing its target of carbon neutrality by 2030, SHIFT were delighted to be selected by Two Rivers Housing Association to complete a comprehensive carbon impact assessment of Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions across the organisation’s activities and provide a road map for carbon reduction measures.
Working alongside Two Rivers staff we collected various data ranging from energy efficiency of existing homes to supply chain emissions and even electricity used for lampposts owned by Two Rivers. As well as standard conversion factors we used tools and methodologies specifically developed for social landlords. We have developed these tools over many years which reduced the time needed to complete the work. CO2 emissions were calculated across all these areas and then mapped out to deliver a visually engaging summary of Two Rivers’ annual carbon emissions.
This exercise revealed that the majority of Two Rivers’ CO2 emissions can be attributed to their housing stock so recommendations for carbon reduction activities were prioritised in this area. Research by the SHIFT team indicated energy efficiency targets and KPI’s that align with carbon neutrality targets.
We also created a road map detailing year on year actions, which offered realistic approaches to reducing Two Rivers’ carbon footprint across the organisation. Cost / CO2 savings were identified for the interventions recommended by SHIFT while also demonstrating the business case, which shows the huge financial benefits to the organisation in making these interventions. SHIFT also provided a bespoke carbon monitoring and progress tool to Two Rivers with detailed guidance to enable future performance to be measured internally.
We presented our findings to the Two Rivers Board of Directors and are pleased to hear from the Luke Beard, Assistant Director of Development & Asset Management that, “Two Rivers will be using the route map to inform both our retrofit and new build programme.”
If you are interested assessing the carbon emissions of your organisation, contact us at [email protected] or on 07718 647117.