This is the term used for the process of removing and/or reducing the Carbon Dioxide (Co2) output of an organisation. In 2021, we worked with our green group, resident panel, board of directors and our staff to create a decarbonisation strategy for our homes for the next 10 years.
Our daily business activities at CCHA will have an impact on the local, regional, and global environment. So, we’ve decided to take action. We want to prevent any further damage to the environment and we are investing in more sustainable practices.
In 2020, we set up our Green Group. One of the aims of the group is to review and challenge the Environmental Strategy monitoring plan.
- Explains how we will reduce our carbon emissions;
- Shares how we will reduce the amount it costs to run your home in the future;
- What we’re doing to improve our impact on the local, and global, environment.
Decarbonisation
The Green Group
Comprised of staff from across the organisation, and two of our tenants, the group raises awareness on greener business strategies. This includes responsible recycling, reducing waste consumption, how to reduce utility costs, and sustainable transport. More than that, we also want to train staff and tenants on how to be Carbon Literate.
Carbon Literacy means that someone has “an awareness of the carbon dioxide costs and impacts of our everyday activities, and the ability and motivation to reduce emissions, on an individual, community, and organisational basis.”
The Carbon Literacy training commenced in September 2021 and will continue into the future. Please get in touch if you’re interested!
Sustainable Homes
All our new homes are being designed to be as energy efficient as possible, with an EPC rating A (92+)
The average rating of CCHA’s existing homes was 73 at the end of March 2021. A higher rating means lower fuel costs, and lower emissions of Co2. A greener home means lower energy bills for you, lower Co2 emissions, and a healthier environment for all of us.
This isn’t just about future plans; we’re going green today.
Throughout 2020 and 2021, we worked hard to introduce sustainable changes. We have already implemented new ways of working that benefit the environment, and these investments will have lasting benefits for decades to come.
- We have installed solar panels on the roof of our Head Offices at Tolven Court. The energy generated is being used to run our offices, and will also be used to charge the electric vans.
- When it was safe to do so during the lockdown periods of 2020/2021, we worked with tenants through community action days by assisting with recycling of excess waste.
- We have begun installing solar panels, with battery backup storage, on 10 of our homes. 10 more homes will benefit from this, too, within the next 12 months. These pilot installations will help us learn how to help decarbonise our homes and also reduce home running costs.
- We have installed 10 electric bike charging points at our offices to promote more sustainable travel choices. Additionally, we’ve also introduced two electric pool cars for staff to use. This has been done with the long term aim of reducing staff fuel mileage costs and Co2 emissions generated by business travel.