Aster publishes latest ESG report

Aster Group has published its latest Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report, outlining how its activities over the past year have underpinned its commitment to ensuring the business remains strong and sustainable long into the future.

Also aimed at attracting investors to help bolster its fund for developing new affordable energy efficient homes, the report covers:

• Its impact on climate change and how it’s mitigating the physical risks of climate change in the future
• How it provides long-term homes that are genuinely affordable to those on low incomes
• Its overall structure and approach to governance.

Chris Benn, Aster Group finance director, said: “As a business we are focused and committed to heightening our environmental and social impact. We’re pleased that in many aspects we are already ahead, or in the process of making change, but of course there is always more we can do, and we are looking at other ways to enable us to deliver on this commitment.

“Importantly, the report also provides a platform from which to attract investors into the business. These stakeholders complement our funding from other sources which supports our drive to be more sustainable, while driving our affordable programme, so we can provide more of the homes required to meet the UK’s housing need.”

Following the publication of Asters first ESG report in January, the housing association was successful in issuing a £250m Sustainability Bond. Viewed as incredibly good value for money, the bond reflected both the underlying strength of the Group and investors’ recognition of Aster’s ESG credentials. This was one of the first bonds in the sector issued under an ESG framework.

To read the report, click here.