Climate Change Data

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP

Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2022)

Reporting Period: 2022

Environmental Metrics

Total Carbon Emissions:Data varies across companies; some report scope 1 and 2 emissions in tCO2e (e.g., Taylor Wimpey reported 20,254 tCO2e in 2022).
Scope 1 Emissions:Data varies across companies.
Scope 2 Emissions:Data varies across companies.
Scope 3 Emissions:Data varies across companies.
Renewable Energy Share:Not disclosed
Total Energy Consumption:Not disclosed
Water Consumption:Limited data; only one housebuilder showed a 3% reduction in water consumption.
Waste Generated:Not disclosed
Carbon Intensity:Not disclosed

ESG Focus Areas

  • Environmental
  • Social
  • Governance

Environmental Achievements

  • Housebuilders are reporting scope 1 and 2 emissions, setting targets, and reporting progress. Some are aiming for net-zero carbon emissions in scope 1 and 2 operations by 2030. Initiatives include fabric first standards, air source heat pumps, and sustainable materials.
  • Increased uptake of sustainable construction methods (MMC), energy-efficient building materials, and renewable energy sources in new homes.

Social Achievements

  • Housebuilders are investing in community initiatives, such as providing affordable housing, community centers, and supporting local businesses.
  • Improved worker retention through skills development and training opportunities, including apprenticeships and graduate programs.

Governance Achievements

  • Many housebuilders are adopting the UK Corporate Governance Code and reporting on compliance. Anti-corruption training and whistleblowing procedures are implemented.

Climate Goals & Targets

Long-term Goals:
  • Not disclosed
Medium-term Goals:
  • Not disclosed
Short-term Goals:
  • Many housebuilders aim to reach net-zero carbon emissions in scope 1 and 2 operations by 2030.

Environmental Challenges

  • Lack of standardized ESG reporting and measurement practices, particularly for social and governance aspects.
  • Inconsistency in how stakeholders rank ESG material issues.
  • Difficulties in ensuring supplier compliance with ESG promises.
  • Uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the UK Green Taxonomy.
  • Greenwashing concerns.
Mitigation Strategies
  • Development of sector-specific benchmarks and frameworks (e.g., NextGeneration Benchmarks).
  • Increased reporting on ESG practices and achievements.
  • Banks are increasingly incorporating ESG criteria into loan agreements and providing sustainability-linked loans.
  • Collaboration with industry bodies and stakeholders to develop standards and best practices.

Supply Chain Management

Supplier Audits: Not disclosed

Responsible Procurement
  • Ensuring compliance with ESG principles (fair wages, tax payments, modern slavery) and regulatory compliance within supply chains.

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks
  • Not disclosed
Transition Risks
  • Not disclosed
Opportunities
  • Development of energy-efficient products and services

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: UN Sustainable Development Goals, NextGeneration Benchmarks

Certifications: Certified Housing Label (CSHL)

Third-party Assurance: Not disclosed

UN Sustainable Development Goals

  • Not disclosed

Some housebuilders mention alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Sustainable Products & Innovation

  • Energy-efficient homes, modular homes (SoloHaus)

Awards & Recognition

  • Regeneration Brainery (Social Impact Award at the 2022 ESG Awards)