Caring for the environment
We are committed to promoting a responsible
attitude to the environment, and to do all we can to encourage
recycling, energy efficiency and so on.
We work with local authorities to promote recycling. Where
possible we will provide facilities on our estates to help
residents and the local authority to recycle.
We are proud of our record on making sure that our homes are
energy-efficient. We have an ongoing programme to improve
insulation and heating, and we built the region's first (housing
association) development that achieved an 'excellent' eco-rating.
We install low-energy light bulbs throughout all our empty
properties before we let them.
This commitment is central to the Group-wide Environmental
Strategy. The six key themes of the strategy are:
- Energy
- Water
- Resources and materials
- Waste management
- Travel
- Valuing our natural environment
An Environmental Action Group is made up of representatives from
all parts of Somer Housing Group and includes two Board
members.
The Environmental Action Group monitors progress in achieving
strategic objectives and also generates new thinking and action.
The rolling Environmental Action Plan features a challenging range
of projects that are making a real difference in the way that we
operate, and reports on progress are reported to the Group
Executive team on a quarterly basis.
During 2008 a key theme will be to develop a more
challenging environmental vision - one that the whole organisation
can play a part in achieving. We want to reduce our carbon
emissions to the lowest level while still being able to meet our
other strategic aims and objectives.
There are things you can do too.
- Please recycle whenever possible, and use facilities provided
by us or the local authority.
- You can save electricity by continuing to use energy-efficient
bulbs, and by making sure you don't leave appliances such as TVs on
standby.
- Save water every time you flush the toilet by putting a water
saver in the cistern.
From time to time we have special offers, advice or free
products which will benefit the environment. Contact us if you want
to know more about this or any other way you think we can work
together.