While it is important to reduce our impacts during development stage, we also need to ensure that we help our customers to live as sustainably as possible once they move in. More than 70% of the carbon emissions from a new Miller Home arise from the use of energy when the home is lived in. Our design changes under the new building regulations will deliver carbon reductions, but there are other things we can do.
Renewable energy
Renewable sources of energy are a key part of our carbon reduction strategy. As well as reducing carbon emissions when we are building homes, we also hand over our new homes with a renewable electricity tariff in place.
How we do it
We are moving towards our renewable energy goals by buying our electricity from a renewable tariff where these are available. We’re also exploring ways to work with others to access more renewable electricity. Additionally, we are installing more solar technology on the homes we build to help our customers live more sustainably.
At present around 90% of our electricity supply is guaranteed renewable. Our target is for 100% of our electricity supplies to come from renewable sources by 2024.
How it is measured
We measure the % of our total electricity supply which is guaranteed by a Renewable Energy Guarantee of Origin, or REGO.
Sustainable timber
Forests regulate our climate, clean the air we breathe and filter the water we drink. They provide habitat for more than two-thirds of terrestrial wildlife and plants and, as a housebuilder, they are one of our most important resources. Obtaining timber from sustainable sources is a key target.
How we do it
All our group suppliers of timber products hold certification from either PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) or FSC (Forest Stewardship Council). Our own timber manufacturing company, Walker Timber, holds PEFC certification chain of custody certification for all timber it uses. We are currently developing a new audit process for timber coming into our business so that we can be confident that all timber going into the homes we build is sustainably sourced.
It is not just the frame and structure of our new homes that matters. All kitchens installed in Miller Homes are 100% FSC certified, and we have also introduced two kitchen designs made from 100% recycled timber, giving our customers a wider range of sustainable choices.
How it is measured
Through our Supplier Assessment questionnaire, we ask our suppliers for evidence of due diligence on any timber-related products they use. We also audit certificates and invoices for evidence that FSC or PEFC timber is being supplied.