Sustainability Reporting Standard - version 2.0

We are pleased to see that version 2.0 of the Sustainability Reporting Standard for Social Housing has been launched today.  Adopters are expected to report against version 2.0 by October 2024.  

The SRS continues to aspire to be a comprehensive ESG reporting standard for the social housing sector.  From the outset, one of the strengths of the SRS was its intention and capacity to evolve in response to (i) engagement by the sector and (ii) sustainability developments in the wider world.  And, since its inception in November 2020 up to the point of this version 2.0, there has been much for the SRS to respond to.  As a result, this iteration represents a significant update which incorporates a wider focus such as diversity and equality, the quality and environmental performance of existing and new homes, tenant satisfaction and health and safety compliance. In addition, version 2.0 requires a "comply or explain" model of reporting, which mirrors the current sustainability reporting requirements on companies and financial institutions.  Thus, completing a SRS report will undoubtedly represent a substantial undertaking for any housing association, but it will have significant benefits, not least in hopefully minimising ancillary or supplementary information-gathering exercises by funders. Sustainability for Housing has committed to reviewing the Standard on an annual basis in order to continue to incorporate emerging best reporting practice.  It has also helpfully indicated that it intends to support adopters by monitoring and sharing updates and insights on emerging legislation, guidelines and reporting requirements.