Update on our Sustainability Strategy
At The Howard de Walden Estate, we are acutely aware of the threat that climate change poses on our business.
Sustainability is a fundamental part of our mission. In October 2023, we launched our deCarbon sustainability strategy, which outlines our four commitments and tactics to ensure we avoid property obsolescence and plan for net zero carbon emissions by 2040.
Our efforts so far have already led to significant improvements in energy efficiency and emissions reduction across our head office, travel activities, and managed properties.
For the first time, we are reporting full coverage across Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions categories. In order to drive down these emissions, we must understand how to decarbonise our current portfolio. We are therefore carrying out a number of net zero carbon assessments to understand what improvements are required on certain properties. We completed our first assessment on our own head office, 23 Queen Anne Street, and are delivering another 13 building assessments this year. To further support our carbon reduction efforts, we have deployed a range of innovative methods like embodied carbon analysis and the use of QFlow technology to more accurately track material deliveries and waste generated during the development process. As we seek to manage our buildings more efficiently, we are also focused on removing gas boilers across the portfolio to support reductions in Scope 1 and 3 emissions.
Another vital part of our deCarbon strategy is our collaborative work with the local community, encompassing businesses, residents and supply chain partners to make meaningful changes for a sustainable future. However, we believe the change we need to see can only be achieved with everyone at Howard de Walden pulling their weight. We want our people to understand the critical role they play in establishing change and we are therefore committed to investing in training and development to ensure our colleagues develop the skills they need for the future. We have incorporated sustainability into new-starter induction programmes and now a proportion of the company bonus is linked to sustainability performance, measured against seven key performance indicators. This is to motivate and fully engage everyone at Howard de Walden to incorporate sustainability practices into all aspects of their work.
Most recently, we have launched our Sustainable Procurement Policy which outlines the requirements we expect from our goods, works and/or services provided both directly and indirectly by all suppliers and sub-suppliers to Howard de Walden. The themes of the policy include carbon reduction, resource efficiency, responsible sourcing, environmental protection, climate resilience and social value. We strongly believe that through close alignment on these issues with our suppliers we can make a meaningful contribution to sustainability within the built environment.
Together, we are driving the transition to a more sustainable, resilient business.
Read more on our sustainability achievements and plans for the future in this year’s Annual Report.
