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Introducing our new Sustainability Manager

As an employee-owned business, it’s important to us that we have a positive impact on the world around us. As part of this ethos, we recognise our responsibility to the environment, and the ever-increasing through-thread of sustainability in everything we do.

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.

Latest articles


UK homes at the centre of net zero push, says Parliamentary report

Retrofitting homes is vital for the UK to meet its 2050 net zero target, according to a new report by the Energy Security & Net Zero Committee.

Four in five homes that will be occupied in 2050 have already been built. With that in mind, the report highlights retrofitting homes as one of the most impactful strategies to cut emissions, reduce energy bills, and enhance living standards across the country.

Read the full report here, or take a look at the summary below…

NSBRC Featured on BBC1’s Politics South

We’re pleased to share that the National Self Build & Renovation Centre was featured on BBC1’s Politics South on Sunday 29th June.

The programme, hosted by Peter Henley, explores current political issues across the South of England. In this episode, our MD Harvey was invited to discuss the importance of energy efficiency in our homes - a topic that’s becoming ever more critical as we face more extreme weather conditions and rising energy costs.

NSBRC - Proud Sponsors of FC Abbey Meads U15s

We are committed to support our local community and as part of this we are delighted to sponsor the kit of local Under 15s football side, FC Abbey Meads, based in Swindon. The team will play in the North Wiltshire League, Division 1, in the 2025-26 season and have high hopes for success.

The team were presented with their new kits during a Parents & Players evening, held at the NSBRC, when their two dedicated volunteer coaches set our their plans and expectations of the boys for coming season.