20 THE CLIMATE CHALLENGE
PLACEMAKING AS THE FOUNDATION OF SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES At Keepmoat, placemaking is central to delivering long-term sustainable outcomes and thriving communities across the UK. In our approach to sustainable communities, focus extends beyond individual homes and into wider communities. The priority is creating well connected areas where people feel safe and have access to green spaces, parks and public transport. Taking on land opportunities near local amenities such as shops, schools and healthcare services, developments become self-sustaining, vibrant communities rather than isolated collections of homes. Access to high-quality green infrastructure also plays a vital role. Green spaces, parks and natural features not only enhance biodiversity but also support mental and physical wellbeing, offering residents places to relax, socialise and connect with nature. Ultimately, sustainable placemaking is about creating neighbourhoods where people want to live, not just today but for the long term – places that are resilient, inclusive and adaptable as communities and climates continue to change.
INVESTING IN LOCAL SKILLS & FUTURE TALENT
One of the most pressing challenges facing the housebuilding sector is the skills shortage – addressing this issue is not only critical for business resilience but also forms a core part of a sustainable operating model.
In total, the housebuilding industry must attract around 240,000 people across a wide range of roles, including bricklayers, groundworkers and electricians – yet the pipeline of talent is falling far short.
Prioritising local recruitment not only helps to reduce skills shortages but also strengthens ties with the communities that benefi t from new developments By offering apprenticeships, work placements and career opportunities for local people, housing providers can create a pipeline of talent while boosting regional economies.
Embedding these opportunities within neighbourhoods ensures that the approach delivers positive outcomes across the board, including improved wellbeing, stronger local economies and reduced environmental impact. At Keepmoat, our social value managers work closely with schools, colleges and training providers to support young people across the country through targeted skills development, educational partnerships and hands-on construction experience. The Yorkshire East team has recently employed eight apprentice bricklayers
WWW.HBDONLINE.CO.UK
working on sites in Hull, Hornsea, riffi eld and carborough his important partnership and upskilling initiative with the NHBC forms a vital part of Keepmoat’s social value strategy, addressing the UK’s construction skills shortage while investing in communities and supporting people close to its developments.
SUPPORTING WELLBEING ACROSS OPERATIONS
ustainability also etends to the people delivering our homes. By creating a resilient, supported workforce Keepmoat is functioning as a fully sustainable business.
As part of our commitment to employee wellbeing, Keepmoat recently partnered with The Lighthouse Charity, a construction charity that supports the wellbeing of people working within the homebuilding sector, including mental health, physical wellbeing and fi nancial support
This new partnership forms part of
Keepmoat’s ‘Valuing Difference’ initiative, dedicated to upskilling department leaders and managers to support employees. Teams are equipped with tools to enable effective mental health and wellbeing conversations, including signposting team members to health services and benefi ts
upporting our worforce is not a separate sustainability initiative; it is integral to building a responsible, future focused business.
SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION ustainability is an ongoing ourney rather than a fi ed target housing providers must embed sustainable thinking into everyday operational decisions – from procurement and construction to long-term property management. Initiatives that are fully integrated into operations, rather than treated as one-off projects will deliver the most lasting impact. Innovation and continuous
improvement are central to this approach and technology is playing a key role in Keepmoat’s ongoing mission to create sustainable homes. Ultimately, sustainability in housing is about creating tangible, human-centred outcomes, energyeffi cient homes, resilient communities and a robust talent pool. By moving sustainability from policy into practice, housebuilders can create neighbourhoods that not only meet environmental targets, but also improve quality of life for residents and colleagues.
John Bowden is sustainability director at Keepmoat
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68
