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Winner: St George

Car use in the capital is a contentious issue, and it has recently been put under the microscope in a survey commissioned by developer St George. This is the latest initiative from a London developer committed not only to company-wide sustainability, but capital-wide sustainability. As it builds all its homes on brownfield land St George has the right raw material for sustainable development, but the company’s key performance indicators show sustainability is its business. Environmental issues, energy use, social factors and even the diversity of its workforce are all assessed, and independently reviewed. The company has an environmental governance committee to steer its strategy, and gives all staff training in sustainability policies.

Second: Bellwinch Homes

Bellwinch has a demanding set of sustainability targets for its business and is introducing a range of measures in its ongoing efforts to meet them. This year it introduced the Paper Planet recycling scheme to its office, and the company is planning to extend it to sites. The company has also implemented materials recycling initiatives, joining the British Plastics Foundation scheme to recycle off-cuts of plastic pipes and linking up with plasterboard manufacturer Lafarge. Its share of timber coming from sustainable sources is also growing significantly.

Third: Countryside Properties

The quality of life provided by new homes schemes is being measured by Countryside in conjunction with the New Economics Foundation. The first stage of the research has looked at two Countryside schemes, showing how quality of life and building sustainable communities fit together. The research is one aspect of a broad sustainability strategy that has earned Countryside a place on the FTSE4Good and a five-star rating in the Manifest Green Card Report.

Fourth: Black Country Housing and Community Services Group

Black Country Housing is sourcing 85% of product, by weight, in its building projects locally, and its target is 90%. The housing association’s environmental policy requires annual audit of progress against targets for: material use, energy and water efficiency, waste and pollution reduction, support for local people and communities and support for the local economy..

Fifth: Crest Nicholson

Last year Crest Nicholson formed a committee for social responsibility and appointed an environmental manager to establish, implement and maintain its sustainable development management system. Its strategy takes into account such issues as waste management, green procurement, energy and water efficiency, brownfield development, and travel plans