How we manage sustainability
An integrated sustainability strategy yields economic, reputational, and economic success – and is harnessed to drive innovation. This approach is led from the top where the Board evaluates the economic, social and environmental performance of the company in its Main Board meetings.
Management approach
Strategy and innovation in Crest Nicholson are driven through Business Improvement Workgroups (BIWs) reporting to the Executive Workgroup. They are explicitly required to integrate sustainability issues into their considerations, and to assess opportunities arising from, and risks to our business and product from the potential effects of climate change. The executive director with specific responsibility for sustainability chairs the Sustainability Business Improvement Workgroup.
Crest Nicholson's Sustainability team is responsible for developing and facilitating implementation of the Group sustainability strategy, working alongside the business focussed BIWs to promote innovation. At a project level, operational personnel are responsible for delivering the sustainability aspirations of our Mission.
During 2009 we developed a new Sustainability Policy, and reviewed and reaffirmed our Climate Change, Sustainable Procurement and Sustainable Timber Procurement policies. We continuously review our targets through the BIW structure to ensure they are relevant to our business, and set appropriately to drive performance. We have again invested considerable resources in improving the scope and quality of our data.
During 2009 the Sustainability BIW has been focussed on driving Crest Nicholson's strategic and operational response to the Code for Sustainable Homes, and ensuring we place the customer and the creation of sustainable communities in the forefront of our operational response. This includes framing strategy on post-occupancy evaluation to cover both fabric performance and the social responses of occupiers. We also planned a series of workshops to understand how we could lever the CABE Building for Life principles to enhance the enduring legacy of our developments.
We have continued to work with our expert advisers to expand the boundaries of our carbon footprint evaluation, and to retain stretching targets for reduction in emissions.
Compliance and Environmental management
2009 saw continued growth in levels of new environmental legislation and regulations. Our management systems and business processes are designed to minimise risk and ensure compliance and we received zero notices and prosecutions.
During 2009 we commissioned consultants to carry out a major review of our environmental management systems with a focus on site control and risk procedures. We retained the integration of site environmental management with health and safety management.
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Find out more about how we engage with our stakeholders.