The report highlights the extent to which Link is taking care to maximise social benefits and minimise negative environmental impacts when providing its services. It builds on the previous report and the vision outlined in Link’s Sustainability Strategy. It connects the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals directly to Link’s sustainability objectives, embedding them with the group’s vision and values.

Link’s report is structured around the Sustainability Reporting Standard for Social Housing (SRS) – a voluntary UK-based reporting framework for social housing, covering 48 criteria across ESG. Examples of the criteria include zero carbon targets, affordability, safety, and tenant voice.

Link Group chief executive, Jon Turner, said: “One of the most pleasing aspects of this wide-ranging and comprehensive second ESG report is the depth of both internal and external consultation. By really getting under the skin of what our stakeholders think, we are able to develop Environmental, Social, and Governance outcomes which meet their needs.

“There is much to be proud of in this report, however equally it would be remiss of me not to reflect that there is much more we can do. I hope that people who read this report find it an engaging and positive message in relation to how seriously we take this aspect of our work.”

The report highlights how ESG metrics cover a range of services across Link, including upgrading existing housing stock, building new homes to high energy efficiency standards, providing well-being and accessibility support, and ensuring ESG is at the heart of decision-making.

The Link group of companies – Link Housing Association, Horizon Housing Association, Larkfield Housing Association, West Highland Housing Association, and C~urb – all feed into the report.

Link is assessed annually by global consultancy firm Ritterwald, which administers the Certified Sustainable Housing Label (CSHL). Link was awarded the CSHL in 2019/20 and has been reaccredited every year since. This year’s reaccreditation is expected in December, following the publication of this year’s ESG Report.