Climate Change Policy / Statement

Scientists agree that the Earth's climate is being directly affected by human activity, and for many people around the world, these changes are having negative effects.

It is clear that the way we manage our businesses and our lives today will have a profound effect on future generations. Managing the energy used in our homes and the way they are constructed will play a significant role in limiting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

As a major developer of new homes we realise that we have a significant role to play in combating climate change and reducing GHG emissions. We define our position on this issue as follows:

• We support precautionary action on climate change although we recognize that aspects of the science are still emerging and remain the subject of expert debate.
• We believe that climate change is a long-term issue and support urgent but informed action to stabilize (GHG) concentrations by achieving sustainable long-term emission reductions at the lowest possible cost.
• There are many potential contributors to this goal. We support an inclusive approach that acknowledges the existence of many different starting points, priorities and solutions.
• We believe that governments and businesses must work together to create policies that contribute towards the delivery of new homes and emission reductions, this we believe can be achieved simultaneously.
• We believe that Government policy and regulatory interventions must support the development and implementation of appropriate technological solutions and also enable the amendment of market mechanisms as new knowledge around climate change emerges.

We will focus our efforts on:

• Improving the energy efficiency of our new homes in-line with higher environmental standards that are set out in the building regulations.
• Evaluating the materials we use during the construction process. Where suitable and economically viable, we will select products from our supply chain partners which limit harmful GHG emissions both in their manufacture and subsequent use.
• Identify and implement, where possible, new business practices that will combat the production of GHGs. Over 40 per cent of CO2 emissions in the UK come directly from what we do as individuals; for example, heating and using electricity in our homes - and driving vehicles. We will continue to inform and encourage our customers to follow practices that have a less harmful effect upon the environment.