Accord Group EMAS Statement 2014

accordgroup.org.uk

EMAS

Statement 2014

Accord Group 178 Birmingham Road West Bromwich B70 6QG Tel: 0300 111 7000 Email: customerfirst@accordgroup.org.uk Twitter: @theaccordgroup Facebook: facebook.com/accordgroup Flickr: flickr.com/photos/accordgroup Printed on 100% recycled paper

ACCORD GROUP EMAS STATEMENT 2014

Values, objectives and targets 6

Introduction

Energy Efficiency

Material Efficiency 22

18

2

Water 28

Waste Generation

Emissions 42

Biodiversity

32

38

Validation 48

1

ACCORD GROUP

INTRODUCTION I am delighted to be able to introduce this year’s EMAS statement with the news that we are reporting a 14 per cent reduction of CO2 emissions per property since we began reporting our CO2 emissions. Our average property has improved from releasing 3.2 tonnes of CO2 a year into the atmosphere to 2.8 tonnes a year. This is still too much, but it does mean that we are on course to achieve the ambitious CO2 reduction target we originally set, which is a key element in our goal to be the greenest housing association.

Key to this achievement has been three essential elements. Firstly, a commitment across the Group to improve the performance of our stock and to build resilience into our existing homes so that they are affordable for the communities in which we work.

Secondly, our innovation, we want to do things better.

This is best exemplified by the development of Code 6 homes and in opening our own factory – LoCaL Homes, building low carbon timber framed homes. Thirdly, we continue to demonstrate our commitment to continually improve by re-launching the Environmental Improvement team and our emphasis on continual improvement.

This is the third year that we have included in the EMAS statement the amount of electricity which we have generated from renewable sources. It is pleasing to think that our homes have saved around 100 tonnes of CO2 whilst providing our customers with free electricity. We have plans over the next few years to see this figure increase significantly.

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We were delighted to build Code for Sustainable Homes level 6 homes (the highest possible level).

In doing so we incorporated a range of innovative features including a Community Orchard and allotment, alongside lamb’s wool insulation, solar electricity generation, and other measures.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank colleagues across the Group who enable our ambitious plans around environmental improvement to become a reality. We can only succeed with a commitment to make the environment a priority from the Board and right across all of our colleagues. All colleagues across the Group contribute to our year on year improvement.

Those small measures of turning your computer off and saving that sheet of paper really do make a difference.

Moving forward we anticipate another year of improvement in our environmental performance with significant improvement in our stock being matched by some exciting environmentally friendly new homes helping to meet people housing needs. As we move forward, our Environmental Strategy will continue to place importance in reducing customer’s fuel bills and driving value-for-money in the business. We hope to continue to rise to the challenge of being the greenest housing association in the country.

Dr Chris Handy OBE Accord Group Chief Executive

EMAS STATEMENT 2013 Environmental performance data This interim statement reports the Accord Group’s performance against a set of prescriptive “core indicators” that organisations seeking registration under the Eco Management & Audit Scheme (EMAS) standard must report on. This was to: l Give an accurate appraisal of the organisation’s environmental performance l Be understandable and unambiguous l Give a year on year comparison to assess the development of the environmental performance of the organisation l Compare with sector, national or regional benchmarks as appropriate l Compare with regulatory requirements as appropriate.

The core indicators described in the EMAS Regulation are based upon the following:

It should be noted that the years quoted within the performance indicators, refer to financial years rather than calendar years (e.g. 2014 refers to 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2014).

It is noted that DEFRA updates the GHG conversion factors every 12 months and therefore the performance data for this year is reported against the 2014 conversion factors. Previously, we only updated the DEFRA guidelines at each full statement which will no longer be the case. To allow for accurate comparison, the performance data from previous years remain unchanged from previously reported figures in terms of transport, but emission figures will be recalculated in-line with the most current guidelines in each statement.

The last full statement was published in 2012. This gives a full description of the organisation and our environmental management systems. It is available on request from our Public Relations and Communications department, please call 0121 500 2300.

l Energy efficiency l Material efficiency l Water l Waste l Biodiversity and l Emissions.

The Group has set out its performance data based upon the aforementioned headings. Where the indicator is not relevant to the Group, an explanation has been given. In addition to the core indicators, it has reported upon other performance indicators in relation to its specific sector.

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Key highlights of the year

LoCaL Homes

Since the last interim EMAS statement, the Group has re-launched and changed how our Environmental Improvement team (EIT) meetings are carried out. To re-launch the meetings we started off with a screening of the environmental documentary Chasing Ice at The Public in West Bromwich.

As well as looking at the impact our operations can have through our offices, we also recognise that there is also a significant impact from the properties housing our customers, not only from their use, but also from their construction.

How the individual EIT meetings are run has also changed to help to promote the sharing of good practice both internally and externally. Each meeting now concentrates on a different topic of our corporate objectives and looks at what both we and others are doing to improve environmental performance.

Where possible, external companies and experts are brought in to discuss the wider best practice within a given topic. This has meant that we have had Biffa discussing waste management and Ian Catchpole from Inenco (Group Energy Procurement – NIFES (National Industrial Fuel Efficiency Service) looking at energy efficiency. Where we have not been able to get external case studies to talk in person, we have used high profile case studies as a point of discussion such as looking at the Co-op Group as an example, of how to implement environmental objectives.

Along with this, EIT also recognises that there is a lot to be learnt from the different departments within the Group. That is why there is always a discussion about what is already being done so that individual departments can learn from one another. The highlight of this has been a discussion on biodiversity from Homes and Garden Services, which helped to encourage better collaborative working so that any potential grounds maintenance problems can be managed from the design stage.

That is why Accord set up the Low Carbon Living (LoCaL Homes) factory in Beechdale, Walsall, enabling the Group to annually produce around 200 off-site manufactured low-carbon homes. The properties produce on average 50 per cent of the carbon emissions of traditional brick built homes and 50 per cent lower fuel bills, reducing costs for both the Group and customers of the new homes. The embodied carbon in the manufacturing process is also a fraction of that in traditional homes, as timber locks in carbon from the atmosphere as it grows.

The LoCaL factory offers highly insulated two, three and four bedroom houses and bungalows, for which the panels can be quickly erected on-site in just one day.

Around 30 local jobs have also been created at the factory, putting further investment into the community and helping to reverse local unemployment levels and manufacturing decline. Panels for the Group’s three successful previous developments in Redditch were imported from Norway, and the lower costs of producing the homes locally will lead to greater revenue and increased reinvestment into the rest of the Group’s work.

A number of homes retained by the Group will help to meet housing need across the West Midlands through affordable rental and purchase schemes. Sites for these homes have already been identified in Walsall, Darlaston, West Bromwich, Dudley, Wolverhampton and Redditch.

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Values, objectives and targets

6

VALUES, OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS Values All partners in the Accord Group share the same overall mission, vision and values. Our values are important so we make them ‘real’ by ensuring that they shape everything we do. l Communities l Commitment l Innovation.

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VALUES, OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS Objective

Reduce the amount of carbon dioxide we emit.

Reduce carbon dioxide emissions from our properties by 26-32% by 2020 from a base year of 2005/6.

As can be seen from our emissions data to date we have achieved a 14% reduction in the CO2 released from our properties when compared to the base year of 2005/06.

To research new technologies in the mitigation of carbon dioxide emissions of our business premises and properties to include producing a strategy for the installation of renewable energy and heat sources.

To research new technologies in the mitigation of carbon dioxide emissions of our business premises and properties to include producing a strategy for the installation of renewable energy and heat sources.

Objective

To construct new properties to the highest possible level of sustainability where practical (develop low and zero carbon housing)

All new properties to be built to Code for Sustainability level three or higher.

It is a funding requirement that requires all properties are designed to level three. This represents a greater level of sustainability than Building Regulations as it goes beyond the emissions focus of Building Regulations to look at wider sustainability options.

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To build properties at code level six within the year 2013.

In July 2014 a number of code level 6 homes were built as part of the Blakes Hill development in North Littleton.

ACCORD GROUP EMAS STATEMENT 2014 Objective

To conserve and enhance existing biodiversity where ever practical.

All paper and cardboard purchased to be 100% FSC approved.

To promote and encourage gardening including giving a pack of seeds to each new sign up.

All paper purchased is FSC certified.

A check list that is used at the sign up of all new tenants includes a check that a packet of seeds has been distributed.

Objective

To reduce the amount of waste we produce.

We aim improve half of our waste streams by at least one place on the waste hierarchy.

Purchase goods with minimal packaging or that has packaging that can be recycled.

We have currently moved 34% of our waste up one level of the waste hierarchy. This is due to awareness campaigns which we have carried out. We aim to increase this to the 50% through continuing with these campaigns and sharing good practice throughout the Group via EIT.

Whenever a buffet is ordered it is ensured that the empty trays are stored ready for collection so that they can be reused.

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VALUES, OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS Objective

To reduce our reliance on energy consumption in business premises and properties from unsustainable sources.

For IT to research and report whether virtual servers can minimise the energy consumption of on-site servers, associated controls and air conditioning during 2012/13.

Virtual servers are now in place which not only reduces the amount of electricity and air conditioning required but they have also increased reliability and are a considerably more efficient use of hardware.

To pilot installing PIR switched lights to communal areas of a selection of Accord Group care and support schemes in 2012/13.

A pilot project was undertaken at Jenner House which provides housing, support and care to 40 adults in individual apartments in Walsall (2012) to replace traditional lighting with LED’s and also install PIR and daylight sensing controls in suitable areas. The pilot was successful in achieving a reduction in energy and can be used for application to other suitable parts of the Group.

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To reduce the use and number of printers.

Although the number of printers has not been reduced significantly a programme of smarter printing has been introduced.

Each member of staff now has an individual code which they have to enter before documents are printed and if the code is not entered within 24 hours then it is cancelled. This forces people to think before printing and stops documents being printed but never used.

To run a “switch off� campaign in 2012/13.

A switch off campaign has, and continues to, run throughout the Group. As can be seen from our electricity data in the core indicators this has seen a drop in the energy used per employee.

ACCORD GROUP EMAS STATEMENT 2014

To pilot installing PIR switched lights to communal areas of a selection of Accord Group care and support schemes in 2012/13.

A pilot project was undertaken at Jenner House which provides housing, support and care to 40 adults in individual apartments in Walsall (2012) to replace traditional lighting with LED’s and also install PIR and daylight sensing controls in suitable areas. The pilot was successful in achieving a reduction in energy and can be used for application to other suitable parts of the Group.

To procure “green energy” wherever practical.

Opus Energy Ltd supplies electricity to the Accord Group from generation which has been accredited as renewable power by the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (OFGEM).

Reduce the amount of wasted energy, by ensuring electrical equipment is switched off where possible, when no longer in use or when leaving the office in the evening by end of 2014.

We have seen a drop in the energy used per employee. Cleaning operatives are instructed to switch off all monitors that have been left on. Emails are sent to IT users to remind them to “switch off” overnight.

To promote the installation of renewable energy and heat sources including ensuring renewable energy forms part of all new developments by end of 2013.

All new build properties are assessed against the Code for Sustainable Homes standard. This includes the consideration renewable energy and heat sources.

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VALUES, OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS Objective

Encourage sustainable methods of transport, work and training.

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To devise and implement in consultation with HR a “Green working, traveling and training� protocol for rollout in 2012/13.

Reduce the amount of business miles travelled as an average per employee.

No formal protocol has been developed, but there has been a push to increase the amount of car sharing for all travel within the Group. This has been encouraged by giving colleagues who car share an extra 5p per mile over traveling alone.

There has been a significant push to reduce the amount of miles claimed. There has been a reduction in the number of miles claimed by 44 per cent per employee. Only employees who have made a claim have been included in this calculation.

ACCORD GROUP EMAS STATEMENT 2014 Objective

To minimise the use of water across our organisation.

Research whether flush rates can be reduced on urinals by end 2013.

Water butts to be installed on all new developments by end 2013.

We have analysed flush rates and found that they cannot be reduced any more as pipes “fur-up� and cause blockages. However, they are set to minimise the use of water whilst allowing for unhindered drainage.

The requirements for achieving Code for Sustainable Homes level 3 includes looking at the overall water usage of water within new developments. This may include the installation of water butts.

Aerated taps to be installed on all taps that are fitted by end 2013.

The requirements for achieving Code for Sustainable Homes level 3 includes looking at the overall water usage of water within new developments. This may include the installation of aerated taps.

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VALUES, OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS Objective

To increase environmental awareness across the organisation and with our customers.

Environmental induction e-learning guide to cover all new employees by end of 2013.

Produce appropriate guidance in the customer’s welcome pack by end of 2013.

A section on the environment has been included in the electronic learning package.

This is not only rolled out to new employees but also existing employee’s every 3 years.

The customer welcome pack now includes information on how to reduce waste at home.

This includes practical measure along with sources of further information.

Objective

To procure as far as practical “green” products and services.

To devise a “Green pesticides and cleaning chemicals list” for Greenscape & Estate services, grounds maintenance teams and cleaners throughout the Group.

This plan is yet to be developed.

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To work with contractors and suppliers who have or are working towards obtaining UKAS accredited EMS’ to ISO14001 or EMAS standard to include auditing the environmental credentials of existing first tier construction contractors in 2012/13.

Lovells, who carry out much of the repairs, maintenance and void work on behalf of The Group, were audited by external consultants ESP Ltd. This included auditing their EMS, legal compliance and areas of good practice.

ACCORD GROUP EMAS STATEMENT 2014 Identification of legal requirements Each activity, product and service undertaken by the Group is systematically examined to identify the possible and actual environmental aspects and impact(s). The identification process looks at each individual site and determines the service and activity within the site.

Likely emerging or future environmental aspects and the respective significance will be analysed as part of the Project Approval Panel process.

The aspects identified by the procedure above are assessed on the basis of environmental risk. Each aspect is sieved to determine whether it is significant or has a significant environmental impact.

In order for the Group to remain legally compliant, as well as considering the aspects and impacts employees have to ensure their actions comply with all applicable legislation, the table overleaf summarises key areas of legal requirement identified by the process detailed above.

Annually a process called “evaluation of legal compliance� is undertaken by competent persons and interpolates the results of the audits and determines whether there are legal compliance trends.

The result of the evaluation of legal compliance is fed into a Management Review. The findings of the evaluation are documented and reported to EIT.

Incidents and breaches The company monitors near misses or breaches through the EIT meetings and the Incident and Near Miss Reporting procedure. There have been no incidents or breaches of legislation.

Evaluation of legal compliance On at least an annual basis, an evaluation is undertaken to identify whether an environmental aspect is in compliance, non-compliance or not applicable with legal or other requirements.

The audits are carried out using a representative sample of the activities of the organisation predominately related to significant aspects.

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ACCORD GROUP

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Legislation

Interpretation

Waste Regulations

Imposes a duty to dispose of waste legally

Hazardous Waste Regulations

Imposes a duty to dispose of hazardous waste legally

The Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) England and Wales Regulations

To provide an energy certificate for buildings which are sold, marketed or re-let

CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme

Requires companies who use over 6,000 MWh of electricity to pay for the amount of carbon they produce

Water Resources Act

Imposes a duty should there be any accidental discharges to controlled waters

Regulation on substances that deplete the ozone layer and fluorinated greenhouse gas regulations

If a company owns or operates stationary refrigeration or airconditioning equipment that contains F-gasses or ozone-depleting substances, they must meet certain maintenance and testing requirements. Certain gasses are in the process of being phased out.

Wildlife and Countryside Act

Gives protection to native species (especially those at threat), controls the release of non-native species, enhances the protection of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s)

Noise and Statutory Nuisance Act

Provides a mechanism for prosecution if a company causes a nuisance in a number of ways, including noise, dust vibration and light

Energy Efficiency

18

CORE INDICATOR ONE Energy consumption in our offices We have been monitoring our progress to reduce energy consumption in our offices. Measures taken to try to use less energy per employee have included switch it off campaigns, new machinery and reduced number of printers.

The following graph demonstrates our four year journey to reduce the energy our employees consume while at work.

Accord Group energy use per employee 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 (MWh) 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0 09/10

10/11

11/12

12/13

13/14

All owned offices

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ACCORDEFFICIENCY ENERGY GROUP The following tables represent the ‘total direct annual energy consumption’ derived from electricity and gas usage within offices operated by the Accord Group.

Total annual energy consumption 2013-2014 Total direct input (MWh) Electricity

Gas

Total

Number of employees

Accord HA

301.98

213.83

515.81

152

3.39

Caldmore

105.22

82.58

187.80

57

3.29

Darlaston

48.70

56.04

104.74

28

3.74

Fry Housing Trust

18.04

54.08

72.13

12

6.01

Greenscape

10.45

0

10.45

42

0.25

Moseley and District

47.15

93.26

140.41

23

6.10

Total

531.54

499.80

1031.34

314

3.28

2012-2013

549.85

519.33

1069.17

324

3.30

2011-2012

495.48

416.27

911.75

312

2.92

2010-2011

580.97

535.63

1116.61

323

3.46

2009-2010

526.97

479.77

1006.73

309

3.26

Office

Shared offices namely Rubery Owen, Redditch and Fairgate House have been removed because they are shared offices. Therefore, it is difficult and inaccurate to make assumptions on energy consumption. For this reason total energy figures for 2010, ‘11, ‘12 and ‘13 have been altered, as these offices have been removed for those years also. The 2013 figure for Darlaston 20

Energy use per employee (MWh)

electricity was reported as 13.97, but it should have been 35.73, so this has been amended. 2014 figures have been altered as some electricity meter readings needed to be removed as they did not relate to the office in question. Meter ID number were compared and verified with 2013 Meter IDs to ensure the correct readings were being used.

ACCORD GROUP EMAS STATEMENT 2013 2014 In addition, the following table demonstrates the ‘total annual greenhouse gas emissions’ which are produced as a result of our office practices. DEFRA guidelines allow for conversion to tonnes of greenhouse gas equivalent. This includes carbon dioxide (CO2) methane (CH4) and nitrous oxides (N2O).

Total annual emissions 2013-2014 Total annual emissions (tonnes)

Energy source

Total

Emissions per employee (tonnes)

Electricity

Gas

260.58

92.24

352.82

0.9000

CH4 (CO2e)

0.18

0.15

0.336

0.0008

N2O (CO2e)

1.96

0.06

2.02

0.0051

Total

262.71

92.45

355.16

1.1311

2012-2013

271.69

96.18

382.23

1.1797

2011-2012

257.83

77.10

334.93

1.0735

CO2

Total annual emissions for previous years have been altered because of the deletion of Rubery Owen, Redditch and Fairgate House. The amendment of electricity in Darlaston also changed the figure for 2013.

Emissions of CH4, N2O and other greenhouse gases associated with our use of energy have been taken into account in the calculation of our greenhouse gas emissions which are expressed as tonnes of Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO2e). Our activities do not produce significant emissions of other air pollutants.

Total renewable energy use It should be noted that the Group does not produce any electricity from renewable sources for use within the offices. However, as stated later in the statement, there is a significant programme in place for the installation on Photovoltaic (PV) panels on our properties. From a life cycle perspective, this is where the impact is larger, as electricity use from our customers will be far higher than from our offices.

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Material Efficiency

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CORE INDICATOR TWO Material efficiency from administrative processes The Accord Group consume natural resources as a result of administrative processes. A common material that is used across the Group is paper.

The chart below shows the proportion of paper that is used across the Group per year, in tonnes.

n n n n n n n n n

Accord HA, 5.46 Caldmore, 2.54 Darlaston, 1.46 Fairgate, 3.19 Fry, 1.40 Greenscape, 0.04 M&D, 2.28 Redditch, 1.54 Rubery Owen, 0.34

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MATERIAL EFFICIENCY

Total annual paper consumption 2013-2014 Total direct input Office

Normalisation

Tonnes

Number of employees

Paper use per employee

Accord HA

5.56

152

0.037

Caldmore

2.17

57

0.038

Darlaston

1.64

28

0.058

Fairgate House

3.79

56

0.068

Fry Housing Trust

1.55

12

0.129

Greenscape

0.08

42

0.002

M&D

2.35

23

0.102

Redditch Co-op

0.76

3

0.252

Rubery Owen

0.36

19

0.019

Total

18.24

392

0.047

2012-2013

18.25

406

0.045

2011-2012

16.47

398

0.041

*The number of employees indicated is the number located at each premise for which paper consumption data is available i.e. not the Group total.

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ACCORD GROUP EMAS STATEMENT 2014 2012 was the Groups first year of reporting envelope consumption. The table below is a record of our consumption for envelopes:

Envelope consumption 2013-2014 Total direct input Office

Normalisation

Tonnes

Number of employees

Paper use per employee

Accord HA

0.37

152

0.0025

Caldmore

0.27

57

0.0048

Darlaston

0.29

28

0.0104

Fairgate House

0.40

56

0.0071

Fry Housing Trust

0.07

12

0.0059

Greenscape

0.01

42

0.0001

M&D

0.14

23

0.0060

Redditch Co-op

0.06

3

0.0188

Rubery Owen

0.03

19

0.0016

Total

1.64

392

0.0042

2012-2013

1.52

406

0.0037

2013-2014

1.53

398

0.0038

25

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ACCORD GROUP EMAS STATEMENT 2014 The number of employees indicated is the number located at each premise for which paper consumption data is available i.e. not the Group total.

In addition to this, the Group is now also able to confirm the amount of paper used when documents are printed externally; this is being reported for the first time this year.

The table below is a record of our external printing:

External printing consumption 2012-2014 Total direct input

Normalisation

Tonnes

Number of employees*

Paper use per employee

2013-2014

0.496

1,134

0.0004

2012-2013

6.537

1,324

0.0049

Year

The annual report for 2014/2015 has not yet been printed, so has not been included in this spread sheet.

It accounts for the large discrepancy between 2013 and 2014 totals. Along with this the Customer Annual Report is no longer printed and distributed to all customers, but is instead filmed and available through YouTube.

In 2013, there were two major errors in the spread sheet. One was that the monitoring period was wrong where printing from 01/04/13 - 01/06/13 was incorrectly included. Correction of errors has led to the external printing in 2013 decreasing from 63.46 tonnes to 6.54 tonnes.

Some values have been estimated for this year’s external printing as exact values were not been collected during the year. The densities and page numbers have been estimated by the graphic designer.

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Water

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CORE INDICATOR THREE ONE The following table shows the amount of water consumed per employee within the Accord Group. This has been calculated using flow rates and capacities provided by Twyford’s bathrooms and considers toilets and urinals, hand basins, sinks, dishwashers and showers.

Water consumption 2009-2014 Total (m3) Total water (m3) used

No of employees

per year

per day

2009/2010

3,781

387

9.77

0.041

2010/2011

3,864

383

10.09

0.043

2011/2012

3,659

376

9.73

0.039

2012/2013

3,626

381

9.52

0.039

2012/2013

3,143

370

8.49

0.035

Year

*A correction has been applied to the 2012/13 employee numbers and number of working days.

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ACCORD GROUP Investment in improved facilities has seen significant improvement in our water usage.

Water usage per employee 2010-2013 10.00 (M3) 8.00 6.00 4.00 2.00 0

’09-’10

’10-’11

’11-’12

’12-’13

’13-’14

Total water use for each year has altered because shared offices have been removed. Fairgate has been included.

However, because they have their own separate toilet and washing facilities, the number of employees has also been amended, removing shared office numbers.

The average water use per day has been amended too because the wrong number of working days (now 247) had been used in 2013.

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Waste Generation

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CORE INDICATOR FOUR The following charts show the amount of non-hazardous and hazardous waste produced by employees or operations delivered by the Group’s seven main office locations. Data collection categories from each office may vary due to the services provided, facilities in place or available data.

Group waste percentages 2013-2014 General waste: 15% Confidential: 4%

Green waste: 35%

Construction: 40%

DMR: 6%

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WASTE GENERATION Total annual generation of waste 2013/2014 Total waste production Kilograms

Tonnes

Number of employees

DMR

28,177

28.18

General waste

68,224

Confidential

Waste type

Waste production per employee Kilograms

Tonnes

272

103.59

0.104

68.22

314

217.27

0.217

16,886

16.89

271

62.31

0.062

Total

113,287

113.29

272

383.18

0.383

Green waste

154,060

154.06

Construction

176,803

176.80

1,136

1.14

1,134

1.00

0.001

Kilograms

Tonnes

Number of employees

18,821

18.82

102,154

WEEE

Total annual generation of waste 2012-2013 Waste type

Waste production per employee Kilograms

Tonnes

334

56.35

0.056

102.15

375

272.41

0.272

15,856

15.86

276

57.54

0.057

Total

136,831

136.83

435

386.21

0.386

Green waste

204,175

204.18

1,510

1.51

1,324

1.14

0.001

DMR General waste Confidential

WEEE

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Total waste production

ACCORD GROUP EMAS STATEMENT 2014 Due to the limited verifiable information provided for some , assumptions have had to have been made based on the waste type and size of container. These estimates have been based on either average exact weights at collections or estimates from the contractor.

Weights for offices within shared accommodation have not been included in either general waste or dry mixed recycling.

For the first time we have been able to establish and separate the amount of construction waste that has been produced from our activities at Home and Garden Services, the areas of the Group that carry out a lot of construction activities.

Neither construction or green waste is reported against employee numbers, as there is no direct correlation between the two. This waste instead depends on the either the area of land managed or the number of external and internal contracts.

The peak in the graph opposite demonstrates Waste Electrical Electronic Equipment (WEEE) disposal, capturing the three year trend to replace hardware. We can see the peak reducing until the next replacement of major parts of the Information Technology (IT) installation forecast in 2014/15.

Accord Group WEEE 2010-2014 2.50 tonnes 2.00 tonnes 1.50 tonnes 1.00 tonnes 0.50 tonnes 0

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

The Accord Group has adopted a waste hierarchy designed to minimise the amount of waste we produce and to minimise the effect on the environment. We have also been introducing paperless systems for processes like invoice and annual leave authorisation.

This has led to a reduction in waste produced in certain areas. Therefore, there has been a general reduction in our confidential shredding waste from all offices apart from Caldmore. In addition, our dry-mixed recycling waste has also seen a reduction.

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ACCORD GROUP

36

EMAS STATEMENT 2014 Design During design the selection of materials by the Group’s in-house architects consider not only robustness and appearance, but their contribution to minimising site waste. The Group’s recent initiative around constructing their own homes in a factory environment utilises timber panels amongst other low carbon natural resources that create energy efficient homes, whilst significantly reducing waste in the supply chain.

Construction The factory process also has great benefits for our contractors erecting each property on site, offering both time and waste savings. A site waste management plan is provided for the contractor which considers the project’s design and access statement, to ensure that our efforts are maintained in reducing the creation of waste on site from building, in line with our environmental policy, Environment Management System (EMS) and the legal requirements.

End use The customer then has a more energy efficient property which will enable them to reduce the impact that their home may have on the environment, also offering them financial benefits such as reduced fuel bills etc.

This reflects the fact that Accord is actively endeavouring to implement greener actions where possible.

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Biodiversity

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CORE INDICATOR FIVE Use of managed land 2010-2014

Number of properties managed

Built up area (m2)

Green space area managed (m2)

2010-11

9,018

315,630

2,000,000

2011-12

9,812

343,420

1,370,311

2012-13

9,939

347,865

1,440,311

2013-14

10,249

358,715

1,934,815

This indicator does not relate to biodiversity directly but to how much land is used or “occupied” in proportion to the number of employees i.e. m2 of built up land per employee. In terms of the Group’s activities, this could relate to either the premises it occupies or to the properties that it manages. To report the area as a proportion of employees would be meaningless to environmental performance, as neither of these factors is dependent on number of employees. The built up area is based upon a calculation of the average footprint of a dwelling (35m2 per dwelling).

The Group manages approximately 200 hectares of community and shared amenity space over and above any private gardens enjoyed by our customers.

In consultation with our own BRE Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) Accredited Professional, we have determined in accordance with standards of assessment published by the Countryside Survey and the Digest of Environmental Statistics, that this land has a neutral impact on wildlife and biodiversity.

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Biodiversity The Group commit to ensure that, through management and future monitoring, any works both to new build and existing will have a positive impact upon both wildlife and biodiversity. This commitment will be demonstrated by the appointment of qualified ecological reports for significant works.

All new build schemes commit to achieving code level 3 of the code for sustainable homes this states that where possible there is a benefit in development being restricted to land that already has a limited value to wildlife. The ecological value of a site is affected by previous uses and the presence of ecological features such as trees, hedges, watercourses, wetlands, meadows, etc. Therefore, the re-use of existing sites will help to slow down the destruction of natural habitats and the wildlife they support, as well as preventing loss of land used for agriculture, parkland, etc.

Wherever homes are constructed, there is always a risk that however environmentally benign the building or development itself is, it may present a threat to local ecology or areas of natural beauty. The principle here is to minimise the damage to existing local ecology and then, where possible, to enhance it. Damage can be minimised either by selecting a site of low ecological value or by developing a site in a way that protects the most important ecological features. House building need not reduce the ecological value of the site; it may enhance it in many cases. There will always be some temporary disturbance to the local ecology, but wildlife will return once construction is complete, providing an appropriate habitat is provided.

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Based on the above, the Group endeavour on each site to carry out the following works: l The planting of native species l The adoption of horticultural good practice (e.g. no, or low, use of residual pesticides) l The installation of bird, bat and/or insect boxes at appropriate locations on the site Development of a full Biodiversity Management Plan including avoiding clearance/works at key times of the year (e.g. breeding seasons) l The proper integration, design and maintenance of Sustainable Urban Drainage systems (SUDs) and green roofs, community orchards etc.

Only native floral species or those with a known attraction or benefit to local wildlife can be considered for the purpose of enhancing the ecological value of the site.

A good example of this approach can be seen at the recent development designed by our in-house design team at Blakes Hill, North Littleton. We developed 10 homes; we added a swale to allow natural water to collect to encourage birds and reptiles to enhance their habitat. Bat and Bird Boxes were strategically placed around the site so the number of roosting areas was enhanced. Additional native trees and shrubs were planted to further provide the environment for biodiversity to flourish. Allotments and an orchard were provided on the site to further encourage biodiversity and the production of local produce.

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Emissions

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CORE INDICATOR SIX The main quantifiable emissions produced by the Group are those of CO2. The quantities of these emissions are derived from different sources; including electricity and gas usage in both the properties and offices that we manage, and also from the fuel used in our vehicles.

Standard Assessment Procedure Unlike previous years, the average Standard Assessment Protocol (SAP) has not been detailed.

This is because SAP is no longer defined as a regulatory requirement for reporting with the Homes & Communities Agency and is therefore no longer monitored.

Homes In an ideal situation, the CO2 calculation of Accord’s homes would be based on the annual energy consumption over the past year. Because Accord has no access to such data, this is not possible. The existing method of calculation is based on the technical aspects of a property and is detailed enough to show a reduction in the level of CO2 after refurbishment of a home. This method of calculation doesn’t take into account of for example, improved behaviour of Accord’s customers (e.g. greater awareness of saving energy behaviour such as switching off lights when not in use).

New figure have been created using an average CO2 figure for new build Energy Performance Certificates (EPC’s) for 2014 and the average CO2 figure for relets over the last 12 months which has been applied to our existing stock and adding them together.

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EMISSIONS Using the EPC information for the basis of our CO2 calculation for relets, whilst robust as a calculation method, tends to overstate the amount of Carbon we use, as an EPC is only obtained at the point when a property becomes void. Therefore, it tends to be older properties with a higher turnover that are overly represented in our stock sample.

We have developed a detailed Asset Management Plan in order to ensure that we reach the 20 per cent reduction in CO2 target by 2020 the key highlights of this plan include: l Fitting PV panels to 1,500 properties l Extensive insulation of solid wall insulation across the Group stock l Installing A rated central heating boilers as older heating systems become obsolete.

In addition to this, we have been leading the way in the West Midlands producing the region’s most sustainable homes. We built the first level 6 of the Code for sustainable homes properties at the Marlfield site in Redditch. These properties have l A positive carbon contribution of 1.7 tonnes a year with a SAP rating of 116 l Lamb’s wool insulation l Closed panel timber frame construction method l Community allotment and orchard l Low energy lighting in all rooms l PV electricity generation.

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Offices To calculate the CO2 production from our offices, Accord has utilised the ‘2014 Guidelines to DEFRA/DECC’s GHG Conversion Factors for Company Reporting’ document.

This advanced spreadsheet provides accurate conversion factors for the 2014 year. These figures represent the kilograms of CO2 per KWh of gas and electricity, allowing for conversion from both ‘purchased electricity use’ and from the ‘natural gas’ energy type (on a gross CV basis) to the equivalent CO2 emissions. This provides an accurate estimation of the CO2 produced within our offices (although there is no data available for the leased and rented offices).

Vehicles The 2014 DEFRA/DECC document was again ideal in providing up to date and accurate conversions from the ‘claimed mileage’ (data obtained from the payroll) for the 2012/2013 year into the ‘total amount of CO2 produced’.

This simply provides a figure which represents the ‘production of CO2 grams per kilometre’. This is then multiplied by the total number of claimed miles (converted to kilometres) travelled within the year. This method does however use figures for an ‘average car of unknown fuel’ so doesn’t entirely account for variations in engine size (fuel consumption) and fuel type (petrol, diesel, etc.).

In the last 12 months, we recorded 32,019 miles of journeys which were car shared out of a total of 499,003 business miles. Car sharing reduces the number of miles and therefore carbon emissions.

ACCORD GROUP EMAS STATEMENT 2014 Power generation The Accord Group is increasingly fitting both PV panels and Solar Hot water panels to our properties that generate renewable power. We have therefore decided to record the CO2 saved by the use of these technologies. We have set ourselves the target to produce approximately 4,205,000 kWh hours of energy using these technologies over the next five years. (We also have a number of air source heat pumps and Bio Mass boilers which we have excluded from this calculation). Our current power generation is as follows:

Year

Tonnes of CO2 saved from renewable power generation on our properties

2012

16.12

2013

50.61

2014

129.70

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ACCORD GROUP EMISSIONS Group total carbon footprint - yearly comparison Total annual emissions of CO2 (tonnes) Homes

Homes (per property)

Offices

Vehicles

Total

Annual difference CO2 (tonnes)

2005-6

6,444

21,107

3.28

240

41

21,388

0

0

0

2006-7

6,746

22,495

3.33

229

42

22,766

1,378

0.06

1.8

2007-8

6,827

22,905

3.36

223

40

23,168

402

0.08

2.4

2008-9

7,084

23,767

3.36

272

37

24,076

908

0.08

2.4

2009-10

8,329

24,935

2.99

430

119

25,484

1,341

-0.28

-8.6

2010-11

9,018

28,686

3.18

484

123

29,293

1,936

-0.30

-9.1

2011-12

9,835

30,484

3.10

435

188

31,107

782

-0.41

-12.5

2012-13

9,962

31,932

3.21

463

173

32,569

122

-0.43

-13.2

2013-14

10,249

28,878

2.82

355

162

29,395

1,137

-0.46

-14.0

Two new columns have been added to present the average reduction (tonnes/home) and percentage reduction in CO2 emissions per property since 2006.

The values for office emissions in 2013 and 2012 were incorrect and have been amended (they now display the total number of properties owned as per the housing stock spread sheet for consistency). The annual emissions per property in 2012 has been amended to use the current system of re-let averages being applied to the rest of the housing stock. The previous value used caused a large change in the Group’s carbon footprint which did not fit into the trend displayed above.

Because the same re-let CO2/property has been applied to the last three years, the average reduction in CO2/ 46

Average % CO2 annual change/ CO2 change prop.* (tonnes)

home since then can be attributed to the low carbon emissions of new build properties in the Group. The average CO2 per re-let property used in 2012 was 3.26 when it should have been 3.05. The average CO2 per property, including new builds for 2012, then became 2.98 as shown above. The figure for homes CO2 in 2011 did not match that year’s spreadsheet, so has been amended and updated.

Emissions of CH4, N2O and other greenhouse gases associated with our use of energy have been taken into account in the calculation of our greenhouse gas emissions which are expressed as tonnes of CO2e.

Our activities do not produce significant emissions of other air pollutants.

*Since 2006

Year

Number of properties

ACCORD GROUP EMAS STATEMENT 2013

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VALIDATION Further to consideration of the documentation, data and information resulting from the organisation’s internal procedures examined on a sampling basis during the verification process, it is evident that the environmental policy, program, management system, review (or audit procedure) and environmental statement meet the requirements of Regulation 1221/2009 (The EMAS Regulation).

SGS UK, accreditation No. UK-V0005, as appointed verifiers to the Accord Group, has verified the Environmental Management System and validated this Environmental Statement, according to all the requirements of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1221/2009; the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme.

SGS United Kingdom Limited Inward Way Rossmore Business Park Ellesmere Port CH65 3EN

Verified:

Date:

Auditor:

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Graham Walford

accordgroup.org.uk

EMAS

Statement 2014

Accord Group 178 Birmingham Road West Bromwich B70 6QG Tel: 0300 111 7000 Email: customerfirst@accordgroup.org.uk Twitter: @theaccordgroup Facebook: facebook.com/accordgroup Flickr: flickr.com/photos/accordgroup Printed on 100% recycled paper