Sustainable property development
With 97 sustainability indicators on environmental sustainability, social impact, and economic development, the SDF represents one of the most comprehensive and results-focused frameworks of its kind in the world.
This metric-driven tool is helping us become London's leading sustainable developer, resulting in high-impact projects for the public good.
In 2020, as a first time applicant we received a five-star rating from GRESB, the industry's leading international sustainability benchmark. We went one better in 2021 and are now recognised as the leading diversified development company in Europe.
The SDF was launched in 2021 after thorough engagement with the industry.
Our approach to sustainability
The Sustainable Development Framework aligns with our overall approach to sustainability - this ensures we continue to build a better and more sustainable city for Londoners.
Our Sustainability Report details our approach and the benefits of our activities under the three pillars of Society, Economy and Environment.
- See the Sustainability Report on the Sustainability page
How we make a difference
Reducing carbon emissions
On average across our residential development portfolio, we're reducing our operational carbon emissions by 54% compared to building regulations - and well in excess of the 35% reduction required by the London Plan.
Promoting biodiversity and greening London
Two thirds of our residential development projects are planned to exceed a 10% Biodiversity Net Gain uplift with a projected average biodiversity net gain of 130% across all residential projects, helping to support London's urban ecosystems.
Our projects are designed to intensively green the urban environment. We have a projected average Urban Greening Factor of 0.4 across our residential development portfolio with 40% of projects exceeding the policy target of 0.4.
Home Quality Mark
Our robust sustainability approach means we are targeting an average Home Quality Mark (HQM) rating of 4.4 Stars across our portfolio, with 44% of our schemes at 4.5 Star - the highest ever level of certification in the UK to date.
Creating jobs, providing apprenticeships and diversity in employment
Our construction skills programme has trained over 3000 Londoners and supported more than 1000 into work in the built environment.
65% of trainees have been from ethnic minority communities, and 20% were young people not in education, employment or training.
*Figures correct as of February 2023