At Retirement Villages Group, we believe that businesses have a responsibility to make a positive impact on the planet and society. That’s why sustainability isn’t just a box we tick—it’s at the heart of everything we do. As we release our annual Sustainability Report for 2024, we want to share the strides we’ve made and the ambitious goals we’ve set for the future.
Our Sustainability Strategy
Our strategy is built around three core pillars: Planet, Circularity, and Social Impact. We are working towards reducing carbon emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and integrating sustainable practices into every aspect of our operations. Our aim is not only to reduce our footprint but to regenerate and restore the environments we operate in.
Our Key Achievements in 2024
Net Zero Carbon
We have made great progress toward our goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions for operations by 2030. We are also working towards extending this goal to our supply chain by 2034. As part of this commitment, we have signed up to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This makes us the first retirement community operator to commit to science-backed carbon reduction targets. The SBTi provides a clear framework for businesses to set emissions reduction goals that align with the latest climate science. By following these targets, we are ensuring that our efforts contribute meaningfully to the global goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
Championing Biodiversity
To support biodiversity, we have carried out biodiversity baseline assessments across 11 of our communities. These assessments have resulted in an impressive 287 biodiversity units, which have been valued at £6.3 million. Our commitment goes beyond the UK’s legal requirement of a 10% biodiversity net gain. Instead, we are aiming for a 20% improvement in biodiversity across all our communities.
Minimising Waste Through Circularity
We are dedicated to reducing waste and improving circularity in our operations. This includes a strong commitment to eliminating single-use plastics and enhancing waste recycling processes. We are implementing tailored waste management strategies across all our communities to further advance our circular economy approach.
Supporting People and Communities
Every employee is paid at least the Real Living Wage. We are also actively working to close the gender pay gap, which has already decreased from 18% to 14.2%. By 2026, we aim for 80% of residents to report feeling socially connected. We also hope to see 10% of residents engaged in volunteering. We are committed to ensuring that at least 5% of our workforce consists of apprentices, trainees, or graduates. This investment will help develop future talent and strengthen our workforce.
Tim Seddon, CEO of RVG, reflects on our journey:
We recognise that while we’ve achieved a great deal, there’s still much more to be done. Our commitment to carbon reduction, biodiversity net gain, and social impact remains unwavering. By continuously improving our sustainability efforts and engaging our stakeholders, we aim to lead the way in our sector and create a lasting positive impact.
Holding Ourselves Accountable
We’re committed to annual performance reviews, transparent reporting, and continuous improvements. We’re also working towards independent third-party verification of our progress to ensure we’re meeting the highest standards.
Looking Ahead
The work doesn’t stop here. In 2025, we will complete Botanical Place, the UK’s first whole life net zero carbon retirement community. We’ll also continue to push the boundaries of sustainability, finding innovative ways to enhance our impact as we develop new integrated retirement communities.
We are incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved, but we know there is more to do. Sustainability is a collective effort, and we invite our residents, staff, and partners to join us on this journey toward a greener, more sustainable future.
Read the annual statement