Staffordshire Housing Association has been recognised for its efforts to reduce environmental impacts by being awarded Silver status from the Sustainable Homes Index For Tomorrow (SHIFT).

SHIFT certificates were presented by the Rt Hon Lord Deben PC, Chairman of Committee on Climate Change and Robin Lawler, President of the Chartered Institute of Housing at the prestigious 2012 Homes Conference dinner.

SHIFT benchmarked the association’s green credentials against 37 other housing organisations.  Members were congratulated on their work to measure and reduce their environmental impacts at a glittering function at the Excel centre, in London.

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.”

Andrew Eagles, Managing Director of Sustainable Homes, the secretariat, for SHIFT commented “The 2012-13 national SHIFT assessment saw a significant increase in environmental performance. This means improved buy in from management and real reductions in environmental impacts across the categories of existing homes, new build and operations.”

Rt Hon Gregory Barker MP, Minister of State for Energy and Climate Change had this to say of SHIFT members: “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.  Over 50 organisations are involved.  SHIFT members represent over 2 million residents nationwide.  The assessment methodology, developed with the input of registered housing providers, covers sustainability performance in existing homes, new build homes, offices, and strategic and operational plans.

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.