Ecology

Ecology

C20. How is the housing provider increasing green space and promoting biodiversity on or near homes?

We monitor green space and biodiversity using Master Map (Ordnance Survey) data and survey data from our Grounds Maintenance team. This gives us an overall picture of our woodland, grassland and scrubland, all of which constitute Above Ground Biomass (AGB).

Our total AGB currently stands at 3,612 tonnes. That’s 4.42 tonnes AGB per hectare owned. Research suggests that a target of 11.9 tonnes/ha should be set for housing associations, which is in line with the target of 10% biodiversity net gain for England.

C21. Does the housing provider have a strategy to actively manage and reduce all pollutants? If so, how does the housing provider target and measure performance?

Our repairs team use what us known as a distributed delivery model which uses sophisticated scheduling technology to carry out its work with the least travel possible. Our software manages a live schedule which is constantly updated based on the operative’s skills and location ensuring that we cover every locality in the most efficient manner. A distributed delivery model and an in-house repairs team is not common to every housing association, but its advantages are clear. Not only is there more accountability of service, but also more control – we recently leased five new electric and hybrid vehicles.