This, of course, is easier to say than to do but Ocean has adopted a Sustainable Development Strategy which includes six commitments for future action which should help achieve this prime objective.
Commitment 1 – Grass Roots
We will ensure that all new schemes include an appraisal of sustainable energy solutions, that our standard specifications for new and refurbishment of existing housing are reviewed to incorporate sustainable solutions and products, that we achieve a minimum Code for Sustainable Homes 3* rating for all new homes and ensure that our supply chain adopts responsible and ethical working policies at all times.
Commitment 2 – Best Foot Forward
We will, through our membership of Advantage South West, support the idea of off-site manufacturing of new housing, we will develop new strategies for addressing fuel poverty, support initiatives that promote sustainability such as cycling and car share schemes and implement an Affordable Warmth Strategy for the benefit of all Ocean’s residents.
Commitment 3 – Reducing Our Impact
We will ensure that environmental impacts of new schemes are reduced by undertaking ecological surveys before projects are finalised and then undertaking impact assessments post-completion so we can learn the lessons for future schemes.
Commitment 4 – Investing In Our Future
We will ensure that all our staff are trained and aware of environmental issues relating to the business through a programme of knowledge seminars, continuous professional development, courses, conferences and seminars.
Commitment 5 – Leading the Way
We will submit schemes which meet our sustainability objectives for awards, publicise our successes and any failures so that others can learn from our experience, partake in regional and national forums where sustainability issues are discussed and communicate our approach to our partners and residents.
Commitment 6 – Top Performer
We will seek to become “best in sector” by regularly reviewing best practice, learning from others, planning improvements, monitoring performance by ourselves and our contractors and consultants, seeking the views of residents and other stakeholders and regularly reviewing all our policies and strategies.
