Clarion publishes annual ESG report ahead of net zero 2050 roadmap unveiling
Clarion Housing Group, the UK’s largest housing association, has published a new report setting out its performance against a range of environmental, social and governance (ESG) measures for the 2023/24 financial year.
Published today [20 September], the annual Making a Difference report highlights the Group’s commitment to sustainability across the organisation, as well as the support offered to residents through its charitable foundation, Clarion Futures.
The report comes ahead of the publication of Clarion’s new Climate Transition Plan later this year that will demonstrate an evidence-based route to net zero by 2050.
“As the world changes, at Clarion we are acutely aware that we must change with it, transforming how we work to ensure our homes are fit for the future and meet our target of being net zero carbon by 2050, all while delivering £3bn in social value along the way. This is no easy task, but we’re committed to sharing our progress and learnings, bringing to life our growing ESG leadership, and setting out how Clarion will be economically and environmentally sustainable for the long term in our Climate Transition Plan later this year.”
The Group is already investing in innovative approaches as it tests ways to build homes fit for the future, including its landmark 2025 Future Homes Standard pilot project in Hertfordshire, which has delivered seven highly energy efficient homes for affordable rent using two different approaches to test and learn.
Similarly, in December 2023 Clarion announced a major partnership with Octopus Energy and The Hill Group to deliver the UK’s largest ever ‘Zero Bills’ development in Essex, where residents will have no energy bills for at least 10 years. Producing more energy than they use, 25 of these homes will be for affordable rent – the first of their kind in the UK.
During the year the Group developed a Nature Recovery Strategy, outlining its approach to boosting biodiversity and green spaces both in future developments and existing homes. In 2023/24 Clarion also launched its new Sustainable Housing Finance Framework, aligning financing activities with the organisation’s sustainability goals and enabling the issue of green, social, and sustainability bonds or loans to finance projects such as creating energy efficient homes and reducing carbon emissions.
Looking at other strategic priorities, during 2023/24 Clarion Housing Group:
- Generated £123m in social value, bringing the total since 2016 to £937m;
- Built 1,538 new homes, with 67% for affordable tenures;
- Supported 1,724 people into work, including 135 apprenticeships;
- Helped 6,118 households with bespoke money guidance and energy advice;
- Invested £418m in existing homes;
- Awarded £1,557,894 in grants to organisations supporting Clarion residents and communities.
Generating social value remains a core focus for the organisation, delivering projects and services to benefit its residents and communities through Clarion Futures, as well as through collaboration with supply chain partners.
Thanks to funding from the Rothesay Foundation and Travis Perkins generated through this approach, Clarion Futures doubled the number of warm spaces it supported to 53 in the last year, with more than 36,000 visits nationwide.
These warm spaces help those at risk of fuel poverty, as well as tackling loneliness and isolation by bringing people together. Partners also signpost to sources of advice and support on issues such as money management, gaining digital skills and access to foodbanks.
To find out more, visit clarionhg.com/making-a-difference.