Valleys to Coast has achieved the Green Dragon Environmental standard at Level 3 for the second year running, which the housing association says proves its continued commitment to becoming a more sustainable business.
The Green Dragon Environmental Standard is awarded to organisations that both demonstrate effective environmental management and are taking action to understand, monitor, and control their impacts on the environment.
During the last year, Valleys to Coast has ensured that 91% of all materials that come off-site from repairs and maintenance have been recycled.
In total, the organisation has recycled 538 tonnes of waste, which, along with its efforts to reduce carbon emissions, has led to its retention of the Green Dragon standard.
Valleys to Coast Health and Safety officer Joshua Preece said: “We are very pleased to have retained the Level 3 standard in what has been a tough year with the pandemic.
“Going forward, we want to look at new ways that we can decrease our carbon emissions as a business, both within offices and home-working environments and, of course, our customers’ homes.”
Plans for the organisation to improve their year-on-year improvement include looking at the positive impact on carbon emissions resulting from home working, introducing more energy efficient lighting at properties, better planning of tradesperson travel, and looking at ways to improve energy efficiency of older buildings and homes.
Darrin Davies, director of Development and Asset Investment, added: “This year has forced us to think differently as a business.
“We now want to make the most of this shift and we will start by asking staff to share their ideas with us for reducing our carbon footprint.
“Hopefully, we will continue to improve and work our way towards the next level and become an even more sustainable business.”
Valleys to Coast is a not for profit organisation that provides and manages 5,835 homes across Bridgend, South Wales.
Image: The Promenade, Porthcawl, Bridgend. Image credit: Colin Burdett/Shutterstock
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