United Welsh scoops top housing award

United Welsh has been acknowledged for its impressive work on increasing environmental sustainability. At a high profile event in the Celtic Manor Resort, we were rewarded for our environmentally friendly approach to housing development, community regeneration, and employee commitment to all things ‘green’.

The Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony was hosted by the Chartered Institute of Housing Cymru. This special evening is held to celebrate the significant achievements of organisations and individuals which have helped to make a real difference in communities and workplaces across Wales.

United Welsh took the top prize for ‘Increasing environmental sustainability’. We look to incorporate at least two environmentally friendly features into all new development projects. It is a key corporate objective that is firmly embedded within the organisation. Sustainable features include solar panels, under floor heating, natural lighting and ventilation using sun-pipes and wind catchers, and a range of techniques to improve insulation. 

Peter Laing, Chair of United Welsh said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this award in recognition of all the hard work that has been done by the organisation. We take issues of sustainability very seriously and will continue to develop the way we work to ensure that we have as little impact as possible on the environment.  

“Our work on sustainability also includes the aesthetic nature of properties and local communities. The enhancement of external wall finishes, quality grounds maintenance, and the provision of a proactive community services team all play an important role in energising communities and reducing the perception of crime and anti-social behaviour. If an area of housing looks better, people on the whole feel better about their community.  

“One thing we feel very strongly about is our ability to practice what we preach. In support of this approach we have made a range of significant changes to the way we work in order to reduce, reuse and recycle. Water consumption in our offices has been reduced by one third, recycle bins can be found throughout the buildings, and electricity usage is expected to fall considerably. There has been a noticeable shift in culture across the organisation and issues of sustainability are now considered the norm within our daily work.   

“We are determined to get the balance right between incorporating greener methods of building, offering benefits to tenants through things such as lower energy bills, and providing a service that United Welsh can continue to deliver for years to come”.

23rd November 2007

Peter Laing, Chair of United Welsh is presented with the award by Neil Jarrett of the ‘Collaborative Working Centre’ - award sponsors