In 2023, Link became the first housing association in the UK to achieve this rating. This marks the fifth consecutive year of accreditation from international consultancy RITTERWALD.

The CSHL is a pan-European ESG label that evaluates housing providers on their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance. RITTERWALD’s assessment examines organisational strategy, performance data and measurable outcomes across all three ESG categories. It provides a rigorous and independently verified benchmark of sustainability leadership.

This year, Link Group achieved Frontrunner status in every ESG category: Environmental, Social and Governance. This reflects the organisation’s commitment to responsible, transparent and community-focused operations.

Andy Jack, sustainability manager at Link Group, said: “This fifth consecutive accreditation reflects the exceptional work of colleagues across Link and the high standards they set every day. It also reinforces the responsibility we have as a leading housing provider to drive progress across the industry.

“We are committed to building on this momentum and ensuring our ESG performance continues to benefit the people and places we serve.”

This latest achievement builds on the ambitions set out in Link’s sustainability strategy which launched in 2022. Since then, Link has published annual Sustainability Reports that track progress in reducing emissions, supporting communities and strengthening organisational governance.

This year’s results highlight meaningful improvements year-on-year across all areas of the ESG spectrum:

Environmental

• 84.5% of Link’s housing stock now meets EPC band C or above
• A 20% reduction in overall carbon emissions compared with last year
• Continued investment in low carbon homes and energy efficient upgrades

Social

• 269 new homes delivered
• More than £2 million in financial gain secured for tenants through Link’s advice team

Governance

• Strengthened compliance performance
• 128 jobs and work placements created through community benefit initiatives
• A gender pay gap of minus 2.07%, demonstrating strong progress on equality, diversity and inclusion