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HCA launch SHIFT sustainability benchmark results

  

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Housing groups recognised for action on sustainability

32 of the most environmentally forward thinking social housing providers were announced today.　The organisations were recognised by the Sustainable Homes Index For Tomorrow benchmark (SHIFT) developed and administered by Sustainable Homes.　

Colin Butfield, Campaigns Director at WWF said "SHIFT drives organisations to reduce their carbon emissions, adapt to climate change and engage with residents.　WWF congratulates all these organisations for being at the forefront of sustainability".

SHIFT members have committed to independent review and assessment of their environmental credentials against a challenging standard. The benchmark goes beyond headline projects to assess a whole organisations’ operations and impacts and to help them improve.

Results suggest sector is improving

For the 2010/11 year two members received commended status, 13 achieved Bronze Awards, 16 Silver and, for the first time, one member achieved the SHIFT Gold Award (a full list of the public award winners is below).

The SHIFT results were launched by Michael Clegg, Head of Markets and Renewal for the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and were welcomed by environmental groups and housing bodies alike.

Pat Ritchie, Chief Executive of the HCA added her support: "Environmental Sustainability is vitally important: I am encouraged to see that our housing association partners recognise the significance of their role and the impact of their work in this field."

Rod Cahill, Chief Executive of Catalyst Housing Group spoke of how SHIFT has helped Catalyst to improve. "SHIFT is providing a useful focus for the sector’s on-going work to improve it’s sustainability.　We have worked hard over the last 2 years in the areas of policy development, resident & staff engagement & office practices and are delighted with our Silver award."　

Over one million homes involved 

The SHIFT public assessment was first launched in 2008 with 16 organisations, of which 12 achieved bronze and 4 silver.　Membership has now more than doubled to 37 organisations including associates.　These members now represent over one million homes and scores across the board are improving.

SHIFT was developed in partnership with WWF-UK, Homes and Communities Agency, Tenant Services Authority the UK Green Building Council and the founding members. These stakeholders and members continue to influence the benchmark.

The graph above illustrates SHIFT member performance for 2008 and 2010. A breakdown of performance against key metrics in the survey will be release next week.

SHIFT is sponsored by the Apollo Group, Diamond Build and H+H. Inside Housing are official media partners.　

The results were announced at the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors on Parliament Square on 9th February 2011.

The award winners

SHIFT 2010/2011 rankings

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For further information contact:

Sustainable Homes on 0208 973 0429 or info@sustainablehomes.co.uk