This theme seeks to assess how our activities are impacting on climate change and how we are mitigating the risks of climate change.
Great Places works hard to reduce the impact of its communities and day-to-day operations on the environment. Our cross-organisational Sustainability Working Group is responsible for implementing our new Sustainability Strategy and delivery of the underpinning Action Plan. Our aim is to reduce our environmental impact across all aspects of our business and focus on the areas where our emissions are the greatest. This will enable us to realise our corporate commitment to become a carbon-neutral business by 2050.
Our retrofit programme remains an important part of our work to meet the environmental commitments outlined in our Corporate Plan. Great Places is committed to getting all of our homes to a minimum standard of EPC level C by 2030. Over the past 12 months this has seen us make substantial progress to reduce the number of homes with a rating below EPC C to 2,541 (14%). Future plans which support the Government’s Warm Homes Social Housing Fund include improving 450 homes over the next three years in South Yorkshire and a further 700 homes in the Greater Manchester area.
Great Places is prioritising the upgrade of its Heat Networks. In January 2025, we completed our largest heat network upgrade at Richmond Park in Sheffield, with 50% of the costs covered by government funding. In partnership with Fairheat, improvements were made to nine plant rooms, 299 homes and a community centre. Benefits include improved energy efficiency and customers having greater control over their heating and hot water costs. We are undertaking two optimisation studies at Docherty House, Manchester and John Atkinson Court, Salford and we are now developing funding applications to deliver the required interventions.
We have secured funding for improvements at Hutton Lodge, Manchester, and we are reviewing all of our Heat Networks to ensure that we are able to meet future regulatory requirements.
Great Places uses the Carbon Workbook calculator and methodology developed by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to establish its carbon footprint. The method of accounting has changed to include the emissions figures for homes served by third-party district heating within the Scope 3 Existing Stock category. In addition, there has been an increase in the number of homes built and the number of colleagues which, together with more accurate energy billing, has resulted in an increase in this year’s emissions.
Great Places Housing Group Carbon Emissions 2024/25
| Scope | Source | Carbon emissions |
|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | Great Places directly used gas consumption, fleet consumption, fugitive emissions3,144 | 3,144 |
| Scope 2 | Electricity consumption | 6 |
| Scope 3 | Existing stock energy consumption, new build, grey fleet, electricity transmission and distribution | 90,963 |
| Total emissions | 94,112 |
Mitigating the risks of overheating and flooding is a key part of Great Places’ Sustainability Strategy. We’re committed to addressing these challenges through thoughtful design and practical solutions across our homes and neighbourhoods.
Flood risk and overheating are central considerations in all new developments. Homes are built in flood zone 1 – the lowest risk category and any risks mitigated by, for example, raising floor levels. Surface water is discharged via approved routes and rates, with attenuation measures such as oversized pipes, swales and balancing ponds used where necessary.
To reduce surface water run-off, we use permeable paving and are exploring green roofs to naturally manage rainwater, reduce overheating and support biodiversity.
New homes are designed to prevent excessive indoor temperatures through orientation-specific design, glazing choices and ventilation strategies that maintain safety and wellbeing. Where passive measures aren’t sufficient, mechanical cooling is used, in line with Building Regulations Approved Document Part O (2021).
Our design standards require dynamic modelling using Integrated Environmental Solutions IES software to assess overheating risks accurately for each home and site, ensuring tailored and effective mitigation.
At Great Places, we recognise the vital role our customers play in helping us become a more environmentally sustainable organisation.
Our customer-facing teams and website offer practical advice on energy efficiency, including guides on using heating systems and new technologies. A dedicated damp, mould and condensation page also provides tips on reducing moisture in their home. Customers can request printed user guides if needed.
When moving into a new-build home, customers receive a comprehensive Home User Guide (HUG) which is available in print and digital formats. This includes instructions on operating heating, ventilation and waste systems. A home demonstration is also provided, followed by a check-in two weeks later to offer further support.
Additional guides cover boiler care, repairs, lawn maintenance and drainage – encouraging responsible water use.
Mulino Walk is one of Great Places’ latest developments, delivered in partnership with Manchester City Council as part of the ongoing regeneration of New Islington and Ancoats.
The £7 million scheme, part-funded by Homes England, has delivered 23 high-quality shared ownership homes – three two-bedroom and 20 three-bedroom properties – helping make city-centre home ownership more accessible. A neighbouring site will add 52 social rent apartments by winter 2025, contributing to a wider plan to deliver over 400 new homes in the area.
Mulino Walk is a flagship low-carbon development supporting Manchester’s climate goals. Sustainability features include:
The homes are carbon-neutral ready and powered by 100% renewable electricity. The scheme also includes biodiversity enhancements – such as planting, bird and bat boxes – and a sustainable drainage system to protect the nearby canal.
Waste management was a key focus during the build, with 99% of construction waste diverted from landfill.
Mulino Walk not only delivers affordable, sustainable housing but also sets a benchmark for future developments, exceeding current environmental standards and contributing positively to the local community.
