3 October 2024

Anchor publishes Sustainability Report 2024

Anchor has today published our Sustainability Report for the year ended 31 March 2024.

This is the fourth year we have prepared our Sustainability Report, which focuses on three themes: Planet, People and Places. This is also the third year the organisation has measured our carbon footprint, having commissioned a detailed assessment under the SHIFT methodology, scoring silver for Anchor's current position and providing the organisation with guidance on specific environmental targets across a range of areas of work, from water use and waste, to biodiversity and green spaces. This report is accompanied by a full return under the Sustainable Reporting Standard for Social Housing as a separate appendix report.

A third Sustainability Bond Allocation & Impact Report for 2023-24, has also been prepared, showing how proceeds raised under Anchor’s 2021 Sustainability Bond, have been used to secure social and environmental outcomes in line with the eligible criteria set out in Anchor’s Sustainability Finance Framework. The bond allocation and impact report has been independently assured by DNV-GL.

Anchor Chief Executive, Sarah Jones said:

Anchor is committed to supporting current and future generations of people, to enjoy living in later life. Addressing environmental and social challenges is key to creating a sustainable, inclusive future for us all. Our fourth Sustainability Report demonstrates the social value we create through our work providing high quality, affordable homes and care, and the progress we are starting to make to tackle and respond to climate change.

Highlights from Anchor’s Sustainability Report

Planet

Our Net Zero Commitment: We are fully committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions across all our operations by 2050. We have set clear milestones and are working hard to reduce our emissions and environmental impact year by year.

Tracking Our Carbon Footprint: For the third year running, we measured and disclosed our full our carbon footprint, giving us further insight into our emissions and where to focus on reduction.

Reducing Waste: We’re committed to reducing waste and are pleased to report that 99% of waste from our care homes and offices is now diverted from landfill.

People

Engaging Our Residents: Our Residents Environment Forum continues to play a crucial role in shaping our sustainability strategy. This passionate group is helping engage residents across Anchor in recycling, wildlife protection, and climate action.

Be Wise: Through our Be Wise service, we’ve provided over £274,000 in financial support to residents, helping them manage rising household costs while also promoting energy-saving advice and practices.

Supporting Our Colleagues: At Anchor, we are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace. As a Real Living Wage employer, we ensure fair pay for over 10,000 colleagues.

Places

Building Net Zero Homes: All new homes designed in 2023 are built to meet net zero standards. Using innovative energy efficiency technology, we’re able to reduce CO2 emissions from these homes by a third compared to the average home.

Our Retrofit Programme: This year, we began our ambitious retrofit programme, improving the energy efficiency of 341 homes with support from the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund. This is just the start as we continue our journey to ensure all our homes are energy efficient. Over 86% of our rented and care homes meet Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) band C or above.

Investing in Affordable Housing: Over the past year, we’ve invested £52.8 million in new affordable housing developments. These homes not only meet the needs of our residents but are also designed with sustainability at their core.

Download our Sustainability Report 2023-2024