Our strategy to achieve net-zero
Net Zero by 2036
This strategy sets out the steps Hafod will take between now and 2036, the year we aim to be a net zero organisation. This means reducing the carbon emissions we have control over, to as close to zero as possible, then taking measures to re-absorb our remaining emissions through, for example, forestry. Balancing these opposing flows of carbon will bring our net emissions to zero.
A climate in crisis
According to the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), CO2 emissions will need to reduce by half by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050 to avoid catastrophic and irreversible change to Earth’s climate and corresponding threats to ecosystems and human life.
Our carbon reducing principles
|
Our starting point
The strategy extends across our geography and our customer base, including our role as a care provider, house builder and social landlord.
In line with our organisational ethos, we will view this strategy through a customer lens. While achieving net zero is an indisputable goal and necessity, we need to pursue that goal in an ethical and fair way which does not overly disadvantage customers, by compounding fuel poverty, for example.
An audit of our de-carbonisation strategy in late 2022 suggested we have the foundations in place, are part of the relevant discussions in Wales and beginning to experiment with solutions for the long-term. It also highlighted the need to accelerate and coordinate our efforts across the organisation, supported by strong leadership at Board and Executive level and a group of committed colleagues and champions across functions. Progress has already been made against the recommendations and this strategy document brings all the components together in one place for the first time.
Strategic focus
Our strategy is formed around five themes, each with a series of key actions to move us towards net zero by 2036:
Theme 1: Building our picture
We will develop our data to build up a richer picture of the condition of our assets, carbon use and customer perspective, with the intention of supporting customers in moving to net zero.
Theme 2: De-carbonising existing homes
We will make our customers’ homes warmer, dryer and more energy efficient, to combat fuel poverty and promote better physical and mental health.
To achieve this, we will, over time, bring our existing homes up to the highest energy efficiency standards they can achieve through retrofitting.
Theme 3: De-carbonising new homes
We will continue to build homes to high standards of energy efficiency and drive carbon out of the construction supply chain.
We will do this to create affordable, warm spaces that help protect and promote people’s health and well-being.
Theme 4: Low carbon service delivery
We want to seize every opportunity to reduce or eradicate carbon from the way we deliver services, without compromising customer expectations.
Theme 5: The carbon literate organisation
To support our customers to move to net zero, Hafod needs to be a carbon-literate organisation, where carbon reduction is embedded as a principle and colleagues can make it easier for customers to make low carbon lifestyle choices.
