What is Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) in a property context?
Environmental Social and Governance often referred to as simply 'ESG' stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. Put simply ESG is a commitment to good governance by adopting best practice principles to do better for the environment, society at large and stakeholders. Effectively, it means a commitment to run a business through the lens of key identified Environmental Social and Governance principles and go hold the business to account and to measure its impact on society and the environment in a transparent way.
At Una, our approach is deeply rooted in Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) principles. We devise and implement vertically integrated, tech-enabled operational strategies that underpin proactive management of each clients asset. From facilities to leasing, we leverage tech to unlock data and drive operational change. We share information with residents and intel and influence during design and build: the aim being to transform the lifecycle of living sector assets in line with Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) standards. Not doing so would depress asset value and leave assets stranded vi's-a-vie other assets.
Here are just a few examples of how we tackle the elements of Environmental Social and Governance (ESG):
The E: Environmental
We recognize that our responsibility extends beyond delivering great homes; it encompasses a commitment to Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) from all three perspectives: the environment, social impact and regulatory accountability.
Our focus on technology throughout an assets lifecycle enables us to unlock data, to drive behavioral change and address whole-lifecycle impacts and further the Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) agenda.
The S: Social
The social aspect of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) thinking emphasizes the power of community well-being. Fostering happy, healthy living standards boosts retention resident levels, reduces tenancy churn, and drives income. Una incorporates the social dimension into what we do: we prioritise health, fitness, pets, family, and learning through our Community App. We create local partnerships, recruit local first and run events and wellbeing messaging services.
The G: Governance
Good governance is a cornerstone of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals. As a key BTR Operator we are dedicated to ensuring equality, diversity, compliance, and ethical practices across all assets and buildings we operate.
Our experts excel in managing the Golden Thread Fire Strategy, registration of tall buildings, asset tagging, and proactive PPM management, all adhering to Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) standards. We go beyond sharing just the Resident Engagement Strategy required by the Building Safet Act 2022, via QR Codes which can be scanned from our Residents Apps we share building safety information with our Residents.
ESG Data Collected
Environmental:
Environmental Data in terms of energy performance is harvested from inventories, and from this plus communal electricity data we can calculate each buildings carbon footprint. With a little extra tech installed we can gamily environmental performance too.
Social:
We own our own Residents App generator portal which powers our BTR Communities, and makes light work of repairs & defects management. We can collect data on a range of community engagement metrics.
Governance:
Our living sectors platform is powered by PlanetRent which is designed to prevent rooky errors. Machine learning, guided processes, automation, and a simple traffic light system for move-in/move-out makes light work of lease-up. Marketing is automated, e-contracts enabled and robots manage ledgers and do the accounting, including and consolidated portfolio reporting. Site staff and our inspectors have tools such as our Fire Door Inspection App, PPM Diary tools.
By adhering to Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) principles, Una ensures that our operations align with best practices in sustainability, social responsibility, and governance.
