Beyond using our unique platform to promote Better Sustainable Homes, through home building and renovation solutions and advice, we are committed to the environmental stewardship of our business, and seeking out sustainable practices which contribute to the wellbeing of our planet. That’s why we’ve created a brand-new role to reflect this. We’re pleased to share that as of 1st September 2024, we have appointed Nick Whant as the NSBRC’s Sustainability Manager and our newest Employee Owner.
This new job title feels like a natural evolution of the work Nick has already begun delivering with us over the past six months, since he joined us in the temporary position of ‘Project Manager – Marketing’ in March 2024. During this time, Nick has supported in the launch of our first ever Festival of Sustainable Homes, which we held in May, and will be returning again next year.
Nick has also kicked-off two key projects, which you will hear more about in the coming months. The first of which is our bid to become B Corporation certified, helping us shape exemplary operational practices from an Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) perspective. The NSBRC will be proud to become an early adopter of this ‘gold standard’ accreditation for businesses as a force for good.
As part of this project, we have been able to sharpen governance around our environmental practices, evidencing an 18% reduction in our carbon emissions over the past two years, and pin-pointing opportunities to reduce how much of our waste goes to landfill - which we have already decreased by 63% in the first quarter of 2024/25.
In addition to this, Nick is managing the development of a brand-new educational exhibit at the Centre, which we’re very excited to launch in 2025. Our new Retrofit Zone will help homeowners navigate potential solutions to increase their energy-efficiency, property value and quality of life.
19 million UK homes are in need of retrofitting to increase their comfort and efficiency in the face of climate, energy and cost of living crises. We are committed to enabling the creation of Better, Sustainable Homes by inspiring, informing and offering impartial advice to this population, as well as a further 13,000 self builders across the UK, who act as important advocates and early adopters of new technologies and solutions in this space.
Sustainability is close to my heart - and clearly is for our visitors' and partners' as well - so I jumped at the opportunity to make an environmental impact through this new role. The NSBRC is an incredible resource, and is uniquely positioned to support home owners and the wider home building industry to drive real positive change.
Everyone at the Centre has made my first six months an absolute pleasure, so I couldn’t be happier to become a fully-fledged employee owner, alongside such an inspiring and welcoming group of people.
Nick Whant, Sustainability Manager
For those of you who have interacted with Nick in a Marketing capacity, you will still see him working closely with our Marketing Managers Katy Ashcroft and Clare Martin, supporting the ongoing success of activities at the Centre and across our digital channels; but this new role centred around sustainability, represents an exciting step forward for our team, and puts our core values firmly at the forefront of our business.
