UK construction company achieves milestone in sustainable benchmarking program
The Springfield Group, a prominent player in the UK's housing sector, is making waves with its commitment to sustainability and innovative practices. Last year, an impressive 30% of homes built by the group were delivered without gas, marking a significant step towards a greener future.
Springfield Group's dedication to sustainable living extends beyond gas-free homes. The company has delivered over 60 developments with homes heated by air-source technology, a testament to its forward-thinking approach. This shift towards renewable energy sources is becoming increasingly common among housing companies in the UK, as they transition to using more sustainable materials and greener upgrades like solar panels and electric heat pumps.
The Springfield Group's sustainability efforts have not gone unnoticed. The company has received recognition for its high performance in the NextGeneration Core initiative. This project, established in 2006, initially assessed the largest 25 housebuilders in the UK but has now launched NextGeneration Core to encourage small businesses to benchmark their performance. The Springfield Group, which includes Springfield Properties, Springfield Partnerships, Dawn Homes, and others, is the first to engage with NextGeneration Core.
The Springfield Group was assessed against 14 key criteria, including energy use and waste reduction policies, health and safety standards, placemaking and affordable housing commitment, and workforce education. Innes Smith, chief executive at Springfield Properties, is committed to the importance of sustainability measures as the business grows.
Springfield Properties' focus is on positively impacting the communities in which it builds. This commitment is evident in its use of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) at its kit factories. The company's adoption of MMC has been praised for its efficiency and environmental benefits.
The Springfield Group's sustainability journey began in the 1990s, with a focus on exploring innovations in sustainability. Today, the company ensures a positive legacy in the communities it builds by constructing 100% of its homes from sustainable timber.
Moreover, Springfield Properties cares about the well-being of its employees. This care is reflected in its commitment to providing a safe and healthy working environment, as well as its efforts to educate and upskill its workforce.
In a time when sustainability is more important than ever, the Springfield Group stands as a shining example of a company that is not only building homes but also shaping a greener, more sustainable future for the UK.