Retirement Villages Group (RVG) has just become the first retirement community operator and developer to have carbon reduction targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
This isn’t just a milestone for us, it’s a game-changer for the entire retirement living sector.
Why this matters
The world is facing a climate crisis, and businesses have a responsibility to act. The SBTi approval means that our net zero commitments align with the latest climate science, ensuring we do our part in keeping global warming below 1.5°C.
By joining industry leaders like Tesco, Unilever, and BT, we’re proving that sustainable change is possible—even in traditionally carbon-heavy sectors like property and development.
Our commitment to a greener future
At RVG, here’s what net zero retirement living looks like:
- All new Thrive Living developments achieving net zero – Reducing carbon by 60% and making our communities 20% more cost-effective to operate.
- Net zero carbon in all our operations by 2030 – Cutting emissions across all our communities through retrofitting, improving energy efficiency, and adding renewable energy sources.
- Net zero carbon supply chain by 2034 – Supporting our partners and residents to transition to sustainable practices.
- 20% Biodiversity net gain by 2030 – Going beyond government targets to create greener, healthier environments.
Turning targets into action
We’re not just setting goals—we’re delivering real results across our portfolio of retirement communities:
- £1.2 million invested in carbon reduction this year, across 8 retrofit projects funded through our internal carbon levy.
- Including, a solar panel installation at Charters Village reduced energy use by 48%, cutting 35 tonnes of CO2 annually.
- Biodiversity assessments valued our green spaces at £6.3 million—proving that sustainable living enhances both nature and community wellbeing.
Leading the way in retirement living
At RVG, we’re proud to be driving sustainability in the retirement living sector - setting ambitious goals and pioneering industry-first initiatives to protect our planet for future generations.
Sustainability isn’t just about reducing carbon, it’s about creating thriving, sustainable communities and our SBTi approval is just one step in a bigger journey to redefine what retirement living looks like.
Sustainability at RVG
Botanical Place, West Byfleet
