What is SHIFT Gold? 

SHIFT Gold is a high-level, independent sustainability accreditation for the housing sector, awarded by SHIFT Environment. It recognises organisations who excel in environmental performance - including energy efficiency, sustainable working practices and green living.

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How did we achieve it?

Our submission showed continued progress in many areas. We’re comparable to, or ahead of, other social housing providers in 20 out of the 22 areas assessed.  These include carbon dioxide emissions, water use, landfill waste, biodiversity and our response to climate change risks. 

 

We’ve seen the biggest improvement in how sustainable our offices are, demonstrating the hard work from the Facilities Team and colleagues making more sustainable choices. We’ll continue to monitor energy, water, waste and office materials through our Office Audits.

 

We’ve also seen measurable improvements across our supply chain, including increased use of sustainable materials and a reduction in waste. We’re looking to monitor this more closely going forward as part of our regulatory carbon reporting. 

You can find out more about the work we're doing to support our environmental performance in our Environmental Sustainability Strategy. 

Read our Environmental Sustainability Strategy 

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Thank you to everyone who contributed to our SHIFT submission. The report reflects all the fantastic work going on across the business to make our homes, offices and operations more sustainable.

Bethany Austin, Sustainability Reporting Manager

 

We’re delighted to receive the SHIFT Gold award for a 7th year in a row. This reflects our commitment to transparency and leadership in sustainability. As one of the largest housing providers in the UK, we understand the vital role we play in addressing environmental challenges, and this recognition reinforces our dedication to creating greener, more resilient communities.

Karin Stockerl, Executive Director of Assets and Sustainability

 

Bob Fowler Green Flag

A Greener future...

Find out more about how we're building a greener future for all of our residents.

Read more about our sustainability promise

Our news

All Articles
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  • 27 November 2025
  • Sustainability

Using floodwater to help green spaces thrive

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  • 27 November 2025
  • Sustainability

Sustainable homes for our residents

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  • 03 October 2025
  • Sustainability

Building for the future: Samuel Lewis Trust Dwellings

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  • 02 October 2025
  • Sustainability

Community Roots: Second Green Flag Award for Community Allotment

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  • 04 September 2025
  • Sustainability

Resident Blog: Keeping it clean and green

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  • 18 August 2025
  • Sustainability

Resident Blog: Planting a Brighter Future

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  • 23 July 2025
  • Sustainability

Resident Blog: Plastic Free July

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  • 23 May 2025
  • Sustainability

New nest sites give Hastings birds a boost

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  • 30 April 2025
  • Sustainability

A big green thank you!

Earth Month Social Post 1
  • 07 April 2025
  • Sustainability

Protecting 30 key species

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  • 01 April 2025
  • Sustainability

Blog: Our Power, Our Planet

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  • 24 March 2025
  • Sustainability

Blog: Working towards a more sustainable supply chain

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  • 23 January 2025
  • Sustainability

SHIFT Gold for the sixth year in a row!

Recycle Week 2024 V2
  • 14 October 2024
  • Sustainability

14-20 October is Recycling Week 

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  • 29 July 2024
  • Sustainability

Help Our Butterflies and Moths! Join the Big Butterfly Count

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  • 19 June 2024
  • Sustainability

Our commitment to biodiversity - pathway to 2030 revealed

Water
  • 08 April 2024
  • Sustainability

Earth Month Week 2 - Every drop counts: water usage

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  • 02 April 2024
  • Sustainability

It's Earth Month - Waste Reduction: Small Changes, Big Impact

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  • 28 March 2024
  • Sustainability

Community allotment celebrates its ten year anniversary

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  • 12 January 2024
  • Sustainability

Southern Housing Shines with SHIFT Gold

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  • 18 December 2023
  • Sustainability

Our new Environmental Sustainability Strategy

Climate Champion Shortlist Banner
  • 02 November 2023
  • Sustainability

Our Climate Champions Shine Bright on the 2023 Climate Champion shortlist

Heat Networks Resized
  • 13 October 2023
  • Sustainability

Southern Housing Awarded Funds to Improve Heat Networks

Rosemary House
  • 18 July 2023
  • Sustainability

Topping out at The Green Quarter

The Mannings
  • 11 July 2023
  • Sustainability

Topping out at new low carbon housing project

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  • 11 July 2023
  • Sustainability

Narrowing the retrofit skills gap