Climate change and waste

Understanding and responding to the challenges posed by climate change is a strategic priority for our business. Climate change is brought about by an increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide (CO₂), in the atmosphere. The predicted effects of this increase are an increase in average temperatures, rising sea levels, increased precipitation and more frequent extreme weather events. These could lead to adverse impacts on human health, agriculture, forestry, water resources and species and their habitats.

The 2007 Stern Review considered the potential cost of climate change to the UK economy, concluding that the cost of strong, early action far outweighed the costs of inaction. Although the scientific understanding of climate change and its impacts is continuously developing, there is a clear imperative to respond.

According to BERR, the built environment currently accounts for 50% of the UK’s total CO₂ emissions, with residential housing contributing 27%.

Crest Nicholson recognises climate change as a key material issue for our business and we are committed to a continuous reduction of our carbon footprint. In 2008 we developed a Climate Change Policy which clearly sets our approach and specific objectives. In addressing the challenges posed by climate change we must consider both:

• mitigation: taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and
• adaptation: assessing risks to our business and developments and establishing a business response.

We continued our membership of Next Generation, a multi-stakeholder initiative set up to drive sustainability in the housebuilding sector. A key part of their programme is an annual benchmark of the industry, and the 2008 assessment focussed specifically on how companies are addressing climate change. We are very pleased to have been ranked 2nd amongst the clear leaders, and receiving special recognition for our stretching targets, the quality of our reporting and level of disclosure.

Read about:

Analysing our carbon footprint.

Reducing our operational impacts.

Understanding our site impacts.

Adapting to a changing climate.

Tackling climate change by reducing waste.

An expert opinion of our progress.