Sustainability at L&Q
Homes are part of a bigger picture – the planet we share is increasingly threatened by climate change. As a leading UK housing association, achieving net zero and delivering wider societal benefits is central to our corporate strategy.
2023/24 sustainability report (PDF)
We're committed to putting sustainability at the heart of everything we do by:
- protecting the environment
- making sure that we generate value for society
- operating our business in a transparent and ethical manner
- enabling sustainable economic and housing growth
Our approach to sustainability
We've split our sustainability priorities into three areas:
- Environmental
We're committed to minimising our environmental impact, aiming to become a net zero-carbon business by 2050. Our efforts focus on:
Climate action
Our Major Works Investment Programme is the largest in the industry, with nearly £3 billion over 15 years dedicated to decarbonising homes, enhancing energy efficiency, and future-proofing against climate change. This will improve safety, comfort, and environmental performance.
Resource efficiency
We use resources efficiently and minimise waste during construction and operations. This includes capturing energy, water, and waste data for new in-house construction sites and major works programmes, and starting to set reduction targets
Healthy places
From 2022, we have integrated environmental design guidelines into new developments to create healthy environments for people and the planet.
- Social
Our social initiatives enhance community wellbeing and ensure residents can access quality services and support.
Providing affordable and secure homes
We build and manage homes of various tenures that meet Decent Homes Standards and ensure they are gas and fire-safe.
Community investment
Through the L&Q Foundation, we fund projects that support local employment and economic opportunities.
Supporting our residents
L&Q Living provides care and support services for a wide range of needs, including older people, people with learning difficulties and mental health needs, and people affected by homelessness.
- Governance
Our governance framework ensures we uphold our regulatory, statutory, and legislative responsibilities while maintaining high standards of accountability and transparency.
Representative governance
We aim to increase the proportion of board members from black and minority ethnic backgrounds. We also ensure resident voices are integral to our decision-making processes through our Group Board and Resident Services Board. Read more about resident involvement and accountability.
Employee wellbeing
Our wellbeing programme, iMatter, is available to all colleagues, supporting mental, physical, and financial health.
How we manage our supply chain
Our procurement activities align with the Social Value Act, considering wider social, economic, and environmental benefits when procuring goods and services.
Our sustainability highlights from 2023/24
Our sustainability reporting
Our 2023/24 sustainability report (PDF) outlines our environmental, social and governance goals, providing a clear update on our progress against targets and commitments from previous years.
Inside, we highlight important initiatives and programmes we’ve delivered and share our focus areas for the year ahead.
You can also read our previous sustainability and TCFD reports:
The Sustainability Reporting Standard for Social Housing
Transparency drives accountability and performance – that's why we're adopters of the Sustainability Reporting Standard for Social Housing (SRS).
Adopted by more than 100 housing providers and investors, the standard assesses 48 criteria across environmental, social and governance (ESG) measures, zero carbon, affordability and safety standards.
As part of this commitment, we measure our progress against our sustainability priorities and SRS, available in our latest sustainability performance tables (PDF).
You can also read our previous performance tables:
Our sustainable development goals
We’ve aligned our strategy with the relevant United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and pledge to be transparent and accountable on our journey.
- How our priorities align with the UN's SDGs
No poverty
Our priorities are affordable housing and resident support.
Zero hunger
Our priority is resident support.
Good health and wellbeing
Our priority is resident support.
Quality education
Our priorities are resident support, community development, youth education and skills training.
Gender equality
Our priorities are representative governance and employee wellbeing.
Affordable and clean energy
Our priority is climate change – mitigation.
Decent work and economic growth
Our priorities are resident support, community development and employee wellbeing.
Reduced inequalities
Our priorities are affordable housing, building safety, resident support, youth education and skills training and employee wellbeing.
Sustainable cities and communities
Our priorities are healthy places, affordable housing, building safety, resident support, community development, youth education and skills training and representative governance.
Responsible consumption and production
Our priorities are resource efficiency and supply chain.
Climate action
Our priorities are climate change – mitigation and climate change – adaptation.
Life on land
Our priority is healthy places.
Peace, justice and strong institutions
Our priorities are resident support, community development, representative governance, systems and risk management and employee wellbeing.
Partnerships for the goals
Our priorities are resource efficiency, resident support, community development, youth education and skills training.
Our sustainability finance framework
Our commitment to sustainability and social purpose makes us an attractive partner for investors who value impact alongside financial returns.
Through our sustainability finance framework (PDF), we provide clear visibility into how their investments contribute to achieving our sustainability goals.
