Sustainable Homes, in partnership with the Housing Corporation, WWF, Bank of Scotland Corporate and the UK Green Building Council, have launched a new service which evaluates an organisation’s environmental sustainability and helps to make improvements where they will have the greatest impact.
The Sustainable Homes Index For Tomorrow (SHIFT) is a membership scheme which provides a comprehensive assessment of an organisation’s environmental sustainability, taking into account all the activities and impacts of the organisation. The outcome of the assessment will be a benchmark rating which will allow for continuous yearly improvement and comparison against similar organisations and current best practice.
Who can join?
Any housing organisations can join including maintenance organisations, arms length management organisations, local authorities or large scale voluntary transfers.
When?
The first year of analysis and the launch of findings will be undertaken in 2008. Membership can be renewed annually, with the results launched at a regular high profile event and disseminated to the sector.
How does it work?
Sustainable Homes will carry out all the analysis. A steering group of high profile respected bodies will provide oversight and will verify the independence and integrity of the standard. The steering group include the Housing Corporation, the UK Green Building Council, Uk WWF, Bank of Scotland Corporate and the National Housing Federation.
Indepth analysis of performance against specific sustainability criteria
The assessment will be performed using a comprehensive survey encompassing four main criteria - strategy and management, offices, existing stock and new build. Questions within each criterion are designed to identify areas for improvement, and the final rating will identify the overall performance of the organisation.
How to join
Membership provides the opportunity for assessment of progress on environmental sustainability against peers, and interaction with housing experts on how to improve performance. Membership form
For more information on the Index or to discuss joining please contact us at info@sustainablehomes.co.uk or phone 020 8973 0428. Current members of the 2008 Sustainable Homes Index For Tomorrow:
