Sustainability efforts recognised for fourth consecutive year

Leading Midlands housing association whg has once again been recognised on the international stage for its commitment to sustainability. 

For the fourth year running, whg has been awarded the Certified Sustainable Housing Label by pan-European consultancy RITTERWALD, reinforcing its reputation as one of the UK’s leading sustainable housing providers.

In the latest assessment, whg achieved the highest possible ‘Frontrunner’ rating in both the social and governance categories, while retaining its ‘Ambassador’ rating for the environmental category. The results highlight the organisation’s continued leadership in embedding sustainability across every aspect of its operations. 

This year’s certification marks further progress for whg, which improved its overall performance by securing a higher governance rating while maintaining its strong results in the other categories. 

Over the past 12 months, whg has continued to deliver meaningful environmental and community impact. The organisation reduced its overall carbon footprint by almost 5,000 tonnes of CO₂e, equivalent to removing around 1,000 cars from the road for an entire year. 

Investment in local communities has remained a key priority.

At Milton Place, a former fly-tipping hotspot has been transformed into a thriving community garden that residents can now enjoy, with the project achieving 22% biodiversity net gain. In addition, whg is partnering with E.ON to improve the energy efficiency of 961 homes across Walsall through the Government’s Warm Homes programme. 

Jo Shields, Head of Sustainability and ESG at whg said:

“This is an excellent result for whg. Evidencing that we are continually improving our governance around sustainability has been a key driver over the period of review. Our approach to ESG has and continues to be a shared goal across the organisation allowing colleagues to own delivery.

Creating a culture where sustainability is everyone’s responsibility supports the retention of accreditations such as this.  This represents a collaborative approach underpinned by carbon literacy and an ongoing commitment to the right thing for people and planet.”