Oxford North has published its 2024 ESG annual report.
The report has reviewed the progress made against its ESG strategy, with an ambition to push beyond conventional practice to deliver a ‘net positive’ development and its Charter to ensure that the project, and its future companies based there, will continue to enhance the lives of individuals and achieve positive social outcomes.
The report has detailed the incorporation of ESG goals into development practices and emphasised transparency in impact reporting. The project has aimed for a ‘net positive’ outcome across six key pillars which address environmental and social objectives, complete with specific targets and reporting standards.
The six pillars are: Towards net zero, Circular resources, Ecosystem resilience, Healthy places, Connected communities, and Opportunities and shared prosperity.
Highlights have included:
- 10% & 7% reduction in embodied carbon of The Red Hall and 1 & 2 Fallaize Street respectively from design to construction
- electric powered buildings are heated by ground source heat pumps and on-roof photovoltaics
- £10.5 million investment in active and public transport routes which has included 1.4 km of new cycle paths along the Witney and Woodstock Roads
- 100% construction waste diverted from landfill and 91% recycled or reused.
The social value data reported feeds into the whole masterplan which has included The Hill Group’s Canalside Quarter new homes development.
To date:
- more than 1,725 construction jobs have been created, of which 18% live in Oxfordshire
- 49 apprentices have started their careers at Oxford North
- 636 volunteering hours have been delivered.
“Oxford North is truly about people, shaped over the years by teamwork and meaningful partnerships. Working together is at the heart of our journey towards success measured by positive outcomes for people’s lives and society.
“This spirit of collaboration extends to our Social Value Charter. We know that the built environment has the power to shape our lives in profound ways. By working together as a community, we have a unique opportunity to deliver tangible social impact for our local community and beyond.
“Our Charter builds on the work already completed and provides the connecting link for our community, the project and delivery teams, occupiers and external stakeholders. It clearly defines what we mean by social value, provides targeted opportunities that respond to local need, and states what we need to do to ensure that Oxford North remains a vibrant place that delivers improved economic, social and wellbeing outcomes.” – Simon Ruck, managing director, Oxford North
For more information and to access the report and charter, click here.
