Gatehouse Living Group, the vertically-integrated residential real estate investment and asset manager specialising in single-family rental (SFR) homes, has published its latest Sustainability Report, detailing its ESG achievements in 2024 and outlining new targets for the coming year.
Among the Group’s most recent achievements are: 100% of all properties acquired having an EPC rating of ‘B’ or higher; installation of solar panels across 25% of new homes, exceeding the 20% target; 30% of operational fleet transitioned to electric or hybrid vehicles; and the expansion of digital processes to reduce unnecessary travel, with 47% of inspections conducted virtually. These virtual inspections include an extensive video review of all aspects of each room and are limited to homes that meet specific criteria and have previously received a high rating from an in-person inspection.
The structure of Gatehouse Living Group – incorporating Gatehouse Investment Management and property manager Ascend – makes it unique in the sector for having sustainability targets across both the homes themselves and the day-to-day operation of the properties.
At an investment and development level, its achievements are centred around delivering homes that are as efficient as possible. EPC ratings of ‘B’ or higher, installation of solar panels on new properties and the piloting of a new retrofit ‘sustainable future programme’ are all creating homes that reduce environmental impact and lowering energy bills for residents.
For Ascend, a focus on operational processes is driving real sustainability benefits. Its market-leading technology platform is helping eliminate unnecessary travel, and where journeys are unavoidable its growing fleet of hybrid/electric vehicles keep emissions to a minimum. It continues to plant a tree for every new letting – over 9,000 to date – and is transitioning to renewable energy across its branch network.
A number of group-wide initiatives are driving further benefits. A Green Living programme, in partnership with United Utilities, is providing energy and water efficient items alongside advice, delivered by trained Ascend employees to residents within Gatehouse Living Group’s portfolios. In parallel, the Group’s programme of community volunteering, DEI training and charitable donations are contributing to real social change.
Paul Stockwell, Group Managing Director of Gatehouse Living Group, said: “ESG is at the heart of our business, and the significant achievements in 2024 reflect the collective efforts of our entire team, which has embraced sustainability as a core value. The strides we have made not only in understanding our carbon footprint, but making investment and operational decisions that actively reduce it, underline our long-term vision of a sustainable and responsible business.
“We recognise that there is still much work to be done, but the initiatives we have put in place and targets we have set ourselves will deliver real and lasting change. By striving to further improve our approaches, and helping residents within our portfolios to live more sustainably, we look forward to ongoing progress, and are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Gatehouse Living Group comprises Gatehouse Investment Management – which has built five SFR platforms, with more than 5,000 properties delivered or in construction – and Ascend, the UK’s largest third-party operator of SFR managing around two thirds of the entire asset class.
Visit our ESG page to see the 2024 Sustainability Reports for Gatehouse Living Group and Gatehouse Investment Management.
