The challenge: creating zero-carbon roadmaps to achieve net-zero emissions

Two housing associations – Catalyst Housing Association and Raven Housing Trust – came to us separately with the same mission: achieving net-zero emissions from their entire operations.

This included their ‘scope 3 emissions’ ie from their housing stock, which represents approximately 95% of total emissions.

How we helped: combining carbon footprinting expertise, built environment understanding and scenario planning

We worked closely with both Catalyst and Raven to create bespoke zero-carbon roadmaps that outlined a strategy for reaching net-zero.

Using our carbon footprinting expertise and understanding of the sector, Bioregional:

1. Conducted a high-level carbon footprint of their entire operation eg existing stock, new developments, offices and transport, as well as a gap analysis between current performance and long-term carbon targets
2. Analysed the viability of different zero-carbon measures including retrofitting, renewable energy, electric vehicles etc based on factors including finances, local policy context, benchmarking, behaviour change and available technologies
3. Created a ‘roadmap’ of potential scenarios for achieving net-zero with delivery action milestones, assignment of role responsibilities and monitoring systems
4. Provided a high-level costing of measures and financing options.

We also ran engagement workshops with senior leadership including the chief executives to help get buy-in to the process and disseminate understanding.

The outcome: a clear path forward for achieving zero-carbon ambitions

Both Raven and Catalyst have adopted these zero-carbon roadmaps and are in the process of developing extensive retrofit plans, as well as tactics for engaging tenants.