Weston Group has announced a new Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Statement that sets out an accelerated pathway to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2040 – 10 years ahead of the UK Government’s national target.
The privately owned development and construction group, which includes Weston Homes, Weston Partnerships, and offsite manufacturing firm British Offsite, will aim to eliminate carbon emissions across all three scopes of its operations.
The commitment spans operational and embodied carbon, supply chain impacts, and the use of renewable energy across its housing and manufacturing activities.
The group’s Net Zero strategy is built around a four-stage plan, with progress already underway during the 2021–2025 phase.
COMPANY EVs
Initiatives already implemented include the transition to electric vehicles across the company fleet, the installation of EV charging points at all parking spaces at its Takeley headquarters, and the roll-out of rooftop solar PV arrays at both the headquarters and British Offsite’s Horizon factory.
Energy efficiency in its homes has been enhanced through a ‘Fabric First’ approach focused on reducing energy demand from the outset.
RENEWABLE ENERGY
From 2026 to 2030, Weston Group plans to source renewable energy for all new homes and operational sites. This period will also include greater scrutiny of supply chain emissions and efforts to quantify both operational and embodied carbon in the properties it delivers.
Between 2031 and 2035, the company will focus on eliminating fossil fuel use from building materials and aim to ensure all new homes are built without reliance on gas or other carbon-intensive inputs.
The final phase, running through to 2040, will see all Weston Group sites and offices operate at Net Zero, underpinned by continued investment in decarbonisation technologies.
SUSTAINABILITY AGENDA
The new ESG Statement also outlines a broader sustainability agenda, including a focus on biodiversity and community engagement. All planning applications from 2024 will include a minimum 10% biodiversity net gain, with measures such as rooftop gardens and green communal spaces designed into developments.
A ‘brownfield-first’ policy will guide site selection to minimise environmental impact and support regeneration.
On the social front, the group is advancing its commitment to inclusive development, with mixed-tenure, socially integrated communities. From 2025, an Enhanced Community Engagement Strategy will ensure local input shapes project design. Post-occupancy reviews will feed insights into future developments, and a long-running trainee scheme will continue to ensure at least 5% of the workforce consists of young trainees entering the property sector.
POLICY ENGAGEMENT
Governance priorities include active engagement with policymakers and industry bodies to promote sustainable, socially responsible housing delivery. The group’s British Offsite facility is also being scaled to produce up to 4,000 homes annually using its modular UNisystem by 2030, further reducing the carbon footprint of new-build housing.
Bob Weston (main picture), Chairman of Weston Group says: “We are proud to be leading the way in delivering a Net Zero future. Our commitment to achieving Net Zero across all three scopes of carbon emissions by 2040 reflects our responsibility to the environment and the communities we serve. Through continued innovation and a focus on sustainable growth, we will ensure that Weston Group remains a pioneer in responsible development for years to come.”
