The importance of ecolabels Many organisations are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of focusing on their environmental impacts[1], particularly in areas like carbon emissions and biodiversity. But when it comes to responsibly sourced materials, there's...
Response to National Planning Policy Framework proposals New government proposals for the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) have been released and our governing institute (IEMA) asked us for a response. The NPPF provides a framework for how planning...
We work with a wide variety of organisations to produce excellent environmental reports. To do this we need some key business data, which, when working with us, is normally very easy for clients to collect. We normally work with one key point of contact in the...
We do loads of environmental reporting for clients which highlight key interventions that reduce energy use in non-domestic buildings, reduce carbon emissions and contribute to energy security. The next step is to actually install those interventions. To make this...
The Taskforce on Inequality and Social-related Financial Disclosures (TISFD) is a global initiative to develop recommendations that enable businesses and investors to effectively identify, assess, and report on their inequality and social-related risks, opportunities,...
The latest data on local authority territorial greenhouse gas emissions is out [1]. Readers mustn’t get excited about the word “latest” because the data actually relates to 2022. The delay is due to the time required to collect and quality assure the data. The...
A sustainability module for asset management databases for owners of building portfolios – a suggested specification Despite the un-snappy blog title, we think this is a necessary topic. Many building portfolio owners have asset management systems of one sort or...
We are pleased to have our very own Domestic Energy Assessors on our team. This means we can now do: Local (Stroud) Domestic Energy Assessments – for Stroud home owners who have a legal requirement to have a valid EPC when selling or renting a home. Consulting service...
We recently hosted a sixth form student for his work experience week at SHIFT and his work here included a research project into the costs and benefits of solar carports and street lighting. Here's what he found (thanks Albert!): Solar street lighting Solar street...
Image by Morteza Mohammadi on Unsplash Understanding the UK CBAM and its role in reducing embodied carbon emissions Supply chain emissions are creeping up sustainability agendas and there is new legislation that promises to help. The UK’s Carbon Border Adjustment...
Image by S O C I A L . C U T on Unsplash How climate change threatens the global hop supply The world of beer is facing an unprecedented challenge as climate change threatens the very ingredient that gives it its distinct character — hops. With rising...
Many people will be familiar with air source or ground source heat pumps, but a relatively new technology has emerged called “ambient temperature heat pumps”. These are mainly for groups of homes where circumstances prevent individual heat pumps being installed in...
We have a had a few queries recently about carbon credit schemes that pay landlords for making carbon saving improvements to stock. Whilst we haven’t looked at any schemes in detail, we do have some thoughts. Here is one of our answers. Thanks for your time...
IEMA, our governing institute, has issued new guidance to help with climate related financial disclosures [1]. The Taskforce on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations and resulting disclosures are proving to be hugely influential and take-up in...
A new Global Commission on Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking has been set up [1] with the aim of driving international momentum towards eradicating forced labour, ending modern slavery and human trafficking – in line with UN goals. It is part funded by the UK...
A couple of new consultations are out which will have implications for managing environmental issues in Scotland. The first is about biodiversity. The second is, perhaps surprisingly to some, about water efficiency ‘Tackling the nature emergency’ [1] is based around...
There is currently no sensible financial arrangement for funding the transformation of social homes to net zero. And no-one seems to be talking about long-term plans either. After chats with a few FD’s, investors, and the Green Finance Institute, we thought it might...
In readiness for 2025, the Government has issued its response to a consultation on the detail of the Future Homes Standard (FHS). Others [1] [2] , who have been closer to the consultation process, have noted that the proposed standards are far weaker than initial...
Amidst a growing importance in Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) for new developments, the lack of practical metrics for UK social landlords to manage biodiversity and green spaces for existing land portfolios has become apparent. This gap presents an opportunity to explore...
Each year we upgrade our methodologies for environmental reporting. The main reason we do this is to ensure that our methodologies align with new national methodologies or UK environmental strategies. For example, last year new water efficiency targets were...