Our new Environmental Sustainability strategy

We are all concerned about our environment. International governments are meeting about climate change in Glasgow this month and our UK politicians have made ambitious commitments to change.

Locally, Surrey County Council declared a climate change emergency in 2019 and we can all see changes in our weather. Raven has responded to these concerns by developing a new strategy and programme that will revolutionise how we work and how your homes and estates look and operate over the next 30 years.

We started by analysing the carbon footprint of our own work. The vast majority of the carbon that Raven is responsible for comes from existing homes. We are focusing on this first but also have some other big challenges that we will be taking forward, including staff travel and how we run our offices. You can see our biggest targets below.

Work has already begun with our first two electric vans now running, installing solar panels in many places and the first new heating projects underway.

You, our customers, have raised concerns about other important issues that affect you, such as recycling, improving energy efficiency in homes, rewilding green spaces, reducing mileage and the installation of electric car charging points. We are working to address these matters too, for example by partnering with Reigate & Banstead Borough Council to improve recycling stores.

Raven’s Sustainability targets

Energy

  • 85% cut on CO2 emissions from 2019-2050 (electricity will become more green to deal with the other 15%)
  • New homes that we build will be net zero carbon from 2021
  • Fleet – 100% electric or hybrid from 2030

Operations

  • 90% recycling by 2025
  • Building in a more modern way
  • Reduced pollutants
  • Online blended working – less travel

Homes & estates

  • Improved warmth and comfort
  • Cheaper energy bills
  • Improved biodiversity and ‘re-wilding’ green space

How you can help

There are many ways that you can help (and save money too!).

Take a look at this link https://energysavingtrust. org.uk/hub/quick-tips-tosave- energy/.

Examples include turning off unnecessary lights and appliances, recycling, and walking, cycling or using public transport instead of a car.