We want our homes and communities to be better for both customers and the environment.
That means helping customers live in homes that are warm, safe and affordable to run, while also reducing our impact on the planet.
On this page, you can find out:
- What Accent is doing to improve homes and communities
- How we are reducing energy use and carbon emissions
- What support and advice is available for customers
- Simple ways you can save energy and money at home
We know rising energy costs and climate change are affecting many people. That’s why sustainability is an important part of the work we do, now and for the future.
We’ve already made good progress, and we’re continuing to improve every year.
Our priorities
We are working to:
- Make homes more energy efficient
- Help customers save energy and money
- Create greener, safer communities
- Reduce pollution from our work and services
- Making homes more energy efficient
Energy bills are rising, and many homes in the UK lose heat too easily.
We’re improving our homes to help customers stay warm, reduce energy use and lower bills.
What is retrofitting?
Retrofitting means upgrading homes to make them more energy efficient.
This can include:
- Better wall and roof insulation
- New windows and doors
- Improved heating systems
- Solar panels and heat pumps
- How this helps customers
Energy improvements can help by:
- Lowering energy bills
- Keeping homes warmer with fewer draughts
- Improving air quality and reducing damp and mould
- Supporting better health and wellbeing
- Reducing carbon emissions
Our target
We want all Accent homes to have an EPC rating of C or above by 2030.
We’ve already improved more than 300 homes in the last three years.
Example: Brighouse homes in Yorkshire
We upgraded a number of older homes by:
- Adding roof insulation
- Improving wall insulation
- Installing new windows and doors
- Upgrading ventilation systems
These improvements have helped create warmer homes, lower energy bills and reduced carbon emissions.
Simple ways to save energy at home
Small changes can make a big difference to your bills and energy use.
- Turn off lights and appliances when not in use
- Compare energy deals to find the best price
- Ask local energy services for free advice
- Check if you can get support like the Warm Home Discount
Saving water
Free water-saving devices may be available in your area.
Recycling
Visit your local council website for recycling and waste advice.
Travel
Where possible, consider walking, cycling or using public transport.
Greener communities
We want our outdoor spaces to be better for people, wildlife and the environment.
This includes:
- Planting trees and supporting nature
- Reducing flood and drought risks
- Supporting community growing projects
- Working with customers on local ideas and improvements
- Reducing our environmental impact
We’re also improving the way we work as an organisation.
What we’re doing
- Tracking and reducing our carbon footprint
- Working with contractors to lower emissions
- Improving how we build and manage homes
We’ve also achieved a Silver rating in a national sustainability assessment, recognising the progress we’ve made so far.
Need help or advice?
We’re committed to creating better homes and greener communities for the future.
If you would like support or advice, we’re here to help.