What does our Environmental Sustainability Strategy mean for you?

Eden Housing Association is committed to reducing its impact on the environment while making sure our homes remain affordable, safe and fit for the future. 

Over the next three years, we will focus on improving the energy efficiency of our homes, helping tenants reduce energy costs, preparing for the effects of climate change, and reducing the carbon footprint of our business. 

Supporting progress towards net zero?

The UK has a national target to achieve net zero carbon emissions, and housing providers have an important role to play. We have already made good progress by improving the energy efficiency of many homes through retrofit works, but around 600 properties still need improvements to reach an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C. 

Between 2026 and 2029, our priority will be to: 

• Continue upgrading existing homes to achieve at least EPC C wherever possible 
• Secure external grant funding to maximise the number of homes we can improve 
• Build all new homes to a minimum EPC B standard
• Measure and reduce the carbon emissions produced by our day-to-day business activities 
• Work with suppliers and contractors who share our environmental values 

These improvements will help lower carbon emissions, support the UK’s net zero ambitions, and make homes more affordable to run. 

Improving our homes

Our investment programme will focus on creating warmer, more energy-efficient homes that help tenants save money on energy bills. 

Key priorities include: 

• Improving the energy performance of existing homes. 
• Delivering all new homes to a higher energy-efficiency standard. 
• Understanding and responding to climate risks such as flooding and overheating. 
• Enhancing biodiversity on our land and green spaces. 
• Developing plans for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across our homes. 

Supporting tenants and communities

We know that sustainability is not just about buildings. It is also about helping people make informed choices.

We will:  

• Provide information and support to help tenants reduce energy use and household costs. 
• Improve awareness of environmental issues and practical ways to reduce carbon emissions. 
• Work with local communities to enhance biodiversity and green spaces. 

Reduce our business impact

Alongside improving homes, we will reduce the environmental impact of our own operations by: 

• Measuring our carbon footprint more accurately 
• Developing a clear plan to reduce emissions from business activities
• Embedding sustainability expectations within our supply chain and procurement processes

What will success look like?

By 2028 we aim to have: 

• Improved EPC ratings across our housing stock
• Helped reduce concerns about household energy costs
• Developed plans to address flooding and overheating risks
• Produced a plan for future EV charging provision
• Increased climate awareness among tenants and colleagues
• Strengthened in-house expertise in retrofit and sustainability
• Established a clear action plan to reduce business carbon emissions
• Demonstrated greater environmental performance across our supply chain