Tuath Housing celebrates launch of 2023 ESG Report

Tuath highlights its commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance principles with inaugural sustainability report.

Pat Barry, CEO of the Irish Green Building Council, officially launched Tuath’s 2023 ESG Report -‘Delivering sustainable homes for a better tomorrow’, at Tuath’s Dublin Office on James Place East.

Taking place during World Green Building Week,  the launch was attended by government officials, statutory bodies,  and professionals in the sustainability, social and affordable housing sectors.

The report outlines Tuath’s approach to sustainable development, incorporating the key pillars of sustainability: environment, social and governance and how they relate to the Sustainable Development Goals. The publication of the report follows the integration of a new strategic objective ‘A Sustainable Future’ into the organisation’s strategic business plan in 2023. As one of Ireland’s largest approved housing bodies, managing nearly 14,000 homes, Tuath aims is to embed sustainability across all aspects of its operations and to play a role in shaping the sustainable development of the AHB sector.

The report highlights some of Tuath’s key ESG achievements to date.  76% of Tuath owned homes have an A+ BER rating while 85% have a minimum of B2 BER rating. In addition Tuath has invested in home energy upgrades for over 400 homes to date, resulting in warmer, more comfortable and energy efficient homes for our tenants.

Tuath is actively working to reduce its embodied carbon footprint and in 2023, 41% of Tuath home delivery was by way of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) while Tuath is proud to be an Irish partner in an EU-funded project ‘Circular Reno’- a project which seeks to develop bio-based materials for construction and retrofit. In addition, Tuath has led in the refurbishment, regeneration and repurposing of derelict buildings, demonstrated to save up to 73% embodied carbon compared with a demolition and rebuild. Award winning projects such as Springville House in Cork City, saw the conversion of a vacant office building into age-friendly housing and showcases how Tuath is innovating to provide sustainable housing solutions.

A highlight for Tuath under the social sustainability pillar was the investment of  €750,000 in community enhancement and tenant engagement, as well as the hosting of over 500 community events throughout 2023. In 2023, Tuath also received a Bronze Award from the Irish Centre for Diversity for commitment to, equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Tuath acknowledges the significant challenges facing the AHB sector as nonprofits, in accessing funding for retrofits and meeting the costs associated with zero emission building standards for new builds from 2030. In that regard, Tuath is working with its Housing Alliance partners, and engaging with public sector stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the challenges in raising private or public finance and to identify and assess a full range of potential solutions.

Pat Barry, CEO of the Irish Green Building Council, who launched the report today, commented: “I’m honoured to officially launch Tuath Housing’s 2023 ESG Report. This report clearly demonstrates Tuath’s commitment to creating sustainable, energy-efficient homes while prioritising social and environmental responsibility. Approved Housing Bodies play an important role in not only reducing our carbon footprint in the housing sector, but also in creating stronger, more sustainable communities.

Chief Executive of Tuath Housing, Sean O’Connor, noted, “We are delighted to launch our 2023 ESG Report and share the progress and success we’ve achieved over the past year. Despite significant challenges facing the sector, we will continue our mission of providing high-quality, affordable housing and sustainable communities with our partners and stakeholders. The report reflects the dedication of all Tuath staff, supported by our experienced and dedicated voluntary board.”

Read the full report below: