SHIFT will provide each member with a clear picture of how they are positioned on the route map to meet or exceed all minimum standards set by regulations, other widely recognised, voluntary standards and best practice.
Each SHIFT participant is benchmarked against a series of criteria that identifies best practice. The benchmarking process is designed to assign a score whenever one criterion is partially or totally met. The final score reflects the overall performance and participants are ranked on the basis of the score achieved. Data collected from participants are analysed and an individual feedback report with recommendations for improvement is provided to each participant.
Examples of the scope of the questions asked include:
Strategy and Management
- Is a sustainability strategy in place?
- Is your action plan regularly reviewed?
- Does the action plan included mitigation and adaptation to climate change?
- Are responsibilities assigned across the organisation for the achievement of the objectives of the sustainability strategy?
Office practices
How much of your office/s waste is recycled?
What percentage of your employees comes to work using public transport?
Do you implement energy efficiency measures within your offices?
Do you implement water efficiency measures within your offices?
Existing Buildings
Is any effort made to incorporate sustainable materials in the refurbishment of homes?
Is any effort made to incorporate water efficient technologies in refurbishment?
Are residents informed on how to reduce their personal environmental impact?
What is the SAP rating for your existing stock?
New Build
Can you indicate what percentage of your new build achieves level 4 and level 5 of the Code for Sustainable Homes?
Do you have a development policy which favors the use of brownfield land over any other type?
Has adaptation to climate change been considered in the design of homes?
In the intervening year members will be invited to attend a series of workshops on weaker areas of performance that may have emerged as a result of SHIFT data analysis.
For members, such as housing associations, membership provides the opportunity for assessment of progress on sustainability against peers, and bespoke interaction with housing experts on how to improve.
Membership form
For more information on SHIFT or to discuss joining please contact us at info@sustainablehomes.co.uk.