Sustainable Financing Framework launched
We have published a Sustainable Financing Framework which will support our ambitious environmental and social targets. This includes ensuring that all our new and existing homes are as energy efficient as possible.
We have a number of environmental, social and governance (ESG) objectives, including plans for all of our properties to achieve an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of C or above by 2030. We also want to work with our customers to tackle fuel poverty and make equality and diversity central to everything we do. Having this framework means that we will be able to raise funds to distribute against ESG projects which aim to improve environmental and social issues in our communities.
We worked with Newbridge Advisors to produce the framework document. We have also received a second party assurance from Sustainalytics, which will give lenders & investors confidence that we will be transparent and accountable with our ESG projects.
We have already started migrating over to a greener fleet with the introduction of a number of electric vehicles, with more to come. We are also adding infrastructure to our new properties to enable the future fitting of electrical vehicle charging points. We are also utilising modern forms of construction such as timber frame panels and fitting properties with photovoltaic panels and environmentally friendly air source heat pumps.
We will now be able to report annually on how the funds from sustainability-linked projects are allocated, along with any key performance indicators (KPIs) for these projects.
Paul Edwards, CHP Chief Executive said: “Having our new Sustainable Financing Framework in place is key to being able to achieve our ambitious environmental and social objectives. The new framework will allow us to fund projects that will transform the lives of our customers and the communities we work in. We’re investing in our homes to ensure they are safe and well-maintained, while reducing their environmental impact and lowering costs for customers.”