New directorate action plans will make environmental sustainability part of everyday decisions across Peabody, with 4,000 colleagues invited to help create greener, healthier neighbourhoods alongside residents.
Peabody has launched its new Sustainability Strategy and Climate Transition Plan, setting out how it will reduce carbon emissions, adapt to a changing climate and make environmental sustainability a central part of how the organisation operates.
For the first time, every Peabody directorate has its own detailed action plan, embedding sustainability into decisions about investment, services, procurement and the management of homes and neighbourhoods.
The five-year strategy was launched at an event in Thamesmead on Monday 19 October, where Peabody Chair Caroline Corby brought together around 100 senior leaders and sustainability champions to plant the first of 4,000 trees, one for every colleague.
The trees will be planted across Peabody neighbourhoods over the coming years, with colleagues invited to take part as the organisation puts the strategy into practice.
Caroline Corby, Chair of Peabody, said:
“We’re already seeing the effects of climate change on our homes and neighbourhoods, from hotter summers to heavier rainfall and more extreme weather. We have a responsibility to make sure the homes and places we look after are well cared for and prepared for the years ahead.
“We have more than 4,000 colleagues with an enormous range of experience, knowledge and expertise. Everyone has a part to play in this work, and our new directorate action plans will help make sustainability part of the decisions we take every day.
“Planting 4,000 trees is a wonderful way to mark the start of this next phase. They’ll become part of the greener, healthier neighbourhoods we’re creating and a lasting reminder of what we can achieve together.”
The strategy and Climate Transition Plan will guide Peabody’s work through to 2031, focusing on four areas:
- Better homes to live in: Providing energy-efficient, comfortable homes for residents.
- Greener, more resilient neighbourhoods: Preparing for flooding, extreme heat and other climate risks.
- Using resources well: Reducing waste and making better use of energy, materials and money.
- Making better decisions for the long term: Using evidence, data and clear accountability to guide choices and measure progress.
The new strategy builds on progress over the past three years. Peabody has reduced its carbon emissions by 10%, upgraded more than 1,500 homes to EPC C through retrofit programmes and secured £48.5m from the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund to match fund investment in improving residents’ homes.
The Climate Transition Plan sets out practical steps towards Peabody’s long-term net zero ambition, including improving the energy efficiency of rented homes, investing in lower-carbon heating, increasing renewable energy and preparing homes and neighbourhoods for climate risks.
Richard Ellis, Director of Sustainability at Peabody, said:
“Our previous strategy helped us build strong foundations. The next five years are about turning that progress into practical, measurable action across Peabody.
“Every directorate now has a plan setting out its responsibilities. We’ll make climate performance part of how we maintain homes, design services, work with suppliers, invest money and make decisions about all our operations.
“We have clear priorities and a Climate Transition Plan to guide delivery. We’ll measure progress, strengthen accountability and focus our resources where they can make the greatest difference.”
The strategy also places residents’ experiences at the centre of decisions about their homes and neighbourhoods, particularly where people face greater risks from heat, cold, damp and flooding.
Elly Hoult, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer of Peabody, said:
“Climate change is already affecting people’s everyday lives, and we know its effects aren’t felt equally. Older people, young children and people living in homes that are difficult to heat or keep cool can face particular challenges.
“We want residents to have comfortable, energy-efficient homes and neighbourhoods that are better prepared for a changing climate. That means thinking carefully about how we invest, carry out repairs and look after the places where people live.
“Residents know their homes and neighbourhoods better than anyone. Working with them, listening to their experiences and acting on local priorities will be essential to making improvements that last.”
Peabody will work with residents, local authorities, suppliers and other partners to deliver the strategy, supported by its growing network of sustainability champions and regular reporting on progress.
Find out more: Our Environmental Sustainability Strategy 2023-26 – Peabody