Staffordshire Housing Association received a special commendation for its efforts to provide environmentally friendly housing and practices.
The Stoke-on-Trent based association took the Highest Performing Newcomer prize at the Sustainable Homes Index for Tomorrow (SHIFT) awards.
SHA achieved Silver status in its first appearance in the SHIFT index for 2012.
The award recognised SHA projects, including its solar panel installation programme which reduces carbon and leads to lower electricity costs for residents.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Rt Hon Gregory Barker MP, Minister of State for Energy and Climate Change, commented:: “Energy prices are rising, and we face challenging carbon reduction targets. I’m delighted to see SHIFT members taking action to understand their environmental impacts, including energy use, through independent assessment – and then working to reduce them.”
The SHIFT Index is a sustainability benchmark and best practice learning network. SHIFT members own and manage approximately one million homes nationwide. Sustainable Homes acts as the secretariat for the SHIFT Index and is the leading provider of sustainable housing training and consultancy in the UK. www.sustainablehomes.co.uk.
Diane Lea, Chief Executive of Staffordshire Housing Group, said, “We are committed to minimising our environmental impact as an organisation, and to providing our residents with high quality low-carbon homes which save them money on their monthly bills.
“It was fantastic to be recognised as the best newcomer and we hope to make further strides forward in providing green, sustainable housing in 2013.
ENDS
For media enquiries contact Emma Roberts at Staffordshire Housing Association on 01782 744533.
Notes to Editors:
Staffordshire Housing Group is committed to building a better future for local communities. The group’s parent organisation, Staffordshire Housing Association, has around 3,000 homes for rent and sale, including three older people’s villages, and offers a range of tenant services. Revival Home Improvement Agency works with older and vulnerable home owners to help them stay warm, secure and independent in well-maintained homes. Blue Mountain Housing Association works closely with refugees to provide essential support and help with access to healthcare, education, training and employment. Since April 2012, Hanley-based charity Arch has been part of the group. Arch provides accommodation and support services to people in need, including survivors of domestic violence, ex-offenders and young people leaving care.
The SHIFT Index is a sustainability benchmark and best practice learning network. Over 50 organisations are involved. SHIFT members represent over 2 million residents nationwide. Sustainable Homes acts as the secretariat for the SHIFT Index and is the leading provider of sustainable housing training and consultancy in the UK. www.sustainablehomes.co.uk SHIFT was developed with the support of the WWF, the Homes and Communities Agency, the UK Green Building Council and the Mayor of London.