Built for the future
Having a defined and clear vision is critical if we are to become a truly sustainable business and address the risks posed by climate change. Our strategy, ‘Built for the Future’ sets out our long-term ambitions, key priorities and targets across the areas that are most relevant to Helical.
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Built for the future
Sustainability highlights
Our key priorities
Through research, discussion and analysis, we have compiled a list of key sustainability themes that are relevant to our business. These aims and priorities form our long-term sustainability vision.
Our environment
How we will achieve this
- All new developments to be net zero carbon by 2030.
- We will follow the principals set out in our 'Net Zero Carbon Pathway'.
- We will offset 100% of the residual embodied carbon for all future new developments.
How this will be measured
- Operational energy intensity target of 90kWh/m2 for our existing assets and developments.
- Embodied carbon target of 600kg/co2/m2 for all new developments and major refurbishments by 2030.
- Using a science based target, by 2025 we will reduce our combined Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 25% compared with our 2019 base year in line with the well below 2 degree scenario.
- Purchase 100% green tariff electricity for managed portfolio.
How we will achieve this
- We will limit the consumption of natural resources including water in both the managed and development portfolio.
- We will implement appropriate waste management practices, seeking to reduce, re-use and recycle before disposal to landfill in both our managed and developed portfolio.
- We will protect and enhance biodiversity and ecology wherever practical.
How this will be measured
- All new developments above a contract value of £5 million to achieve a minimum of BREEAM 'Outstanding'.
- All new major refurbishments above a contract value of £5 million to achieve a minimum of BREEAM 'Outstanding'.
- Achieve a minimum of EPC B and NABERS 5 star on all new developments.
- Divert at least 90% of construction and demolition waste from landfill for all new developments and major refurbishments and aim for minimum of 50% recycling.
- Achieve a recycling rate of 50% at managed properties.
- Develop site specific Biodiversity Action Plans as appropriate on individual sites.
- Reduce landlord purchased water consumption by 2% from 2019 baseline.
Our communities
How we will achieve this
- We will implement considerate construction practices on all developments and refurbishments, including consulting with local communities and stakeholders on large schemes.
- We will review the needs of the local communities within which we operate and in conjunction with our Managing Agents and contractors to support initiatives that are relevant to our business.
- We will work with our contractors to run apprenticeships schemes for young people to learn practical skills on our construction sites, providing valuable experience in preparation for their futures.
How this will be measured
- Register all sites above £500,000 with Considerate Constructors’ Scheme and achieve a minimum score of 40/50.
- Host a number of our local community events, talks and initiatives.
- Facilitate a number of our apprenticeship schemes on construction sites.
How we will achieve this
- We will review applicability of WELL Building Assessments for major new build and refurbishment projects.
- We will incorporate design features that encourage a healthy lifestyle such as cycle storage and showering facilities.
- We will create a calendar of events that focus on health and wellbeing.
- We will prohibit the use of materials and substances that have potentially hazardous effects on the environment, human health and wellbeing.
How this will be measured
- Consideration of WELL building certification or WELL Enabled to enable future tenants to get certification for one scheme above £5 million.
- Number of cycle storage spaces.
- Number of tenant onsite health and wellbeing initiatives.
Our people
How we will achieve this
- We will respect the principles of equality and diversity in our employment practices.
- We will perform regular internal staff surveys and report on the results to all staff.
How this will be measured
- Analysing employee turnover performance.
- Measuring the number of training hours.
How we will achieve this
- We will encourage the sharing of good environmental practices across our operations.
- We will look to encourage contractors to use local labour on construction and refurbishment projects where feasible.
- Maintain the highest Health & Safety standards.
- We will seek to ensure that modern slavery is not taking place anywhere in our own business or in any of our supply chains.
How this will be measured
- 100% of capital projects to complete site sustainability checklist.
- Monitor adherence to Supplier Code of Conduct.
- Monitor RIDDOR Accident Frequency Rate (AFR) and Lost Time Accidents Frequency Rate (LTAFR).
Sustainability Benchmarks
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5* Greenstar GRESB rating awarded
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Maintaining listed status on this Index remains a key priority for Helical and informs our evolving approach to Sustainability.
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CDP Score of 'B'
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Awarded 'AAA' rating
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Gold award received for EPRA Sustainability Best Practice Recommendations in September 2022
Sustainability Memberships
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Helical joined the UK Green Building Council in May 2021
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Helical is a member of the Better Buildings Partnership.