At Sovereign we take our responsibility for the environment very seriously. We integrate environmental principles into our corporate strategy, policies and internal practices. We continually monitor our performance to reduce the environmental impact of our homes, communities, offices and development practices.
We are aware that quality of life results from more than bricks and mortar. Our aim is to provide residents with quality homes and services in sustainable communities while safeguarding the environment in which we all live and work. Central to our environmental work are projects that help to reduce residents’ living costs and improve their comfort and wellbeing.
Our aims and promises
We aim to:
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Reduce our reliance on fossil fuels
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Provide residents with quality homes and services in sustainable communities, while safeguarding the environment in which we all live and work, and
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Lead by example: encourage our staff, residents and partners to work with us and to value and protect the environment.
We promise to:
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Seek to consume less in all of our operations, re-use rather than dispose where possible, and promote recycling and the use of recycled materials
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Promote sustainable construction techniques, development and land use throughout all of our areas of operation, and
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Work with suppliers and contractors to minimise the impact of their operations on the environment, and with local partners to improve the way we manage environmental issues.
Our environmental measures
To reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and air pollution, we:
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Continuously improve the energy efficiency of our buildings
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Maximise the efficient use of transport by staff and tenants making use of public transport where possible
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Introduce the use of renewable energy sources where possible
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Alleviate fuel poverty for our residents
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Cut fleet vehicle emissions, and
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Provide video conferencing facilities as an alternative to face-to-face meetings.
To discourage the wastage of finite resources, we:
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Reduce the unnecessary consumption of new resources by re-using products and purchasing recycled and sustainably produced materials, and
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Encourage our residents to recycle household waste.
To conserve water resources, we promote the efficient use of water in all the buildings we construct, own or manage.
To protect the visual charm of villages and towns, we:
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Renovate and build properties so they are visually attractive and complement their surroundings. This should involve reusing materials wherever possible and practical, and
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Develop sustainable communities through effective urban design.
To protect the natural environment and wildlife, we: