Sustainability at L&Q
Homes are only one part of the picture. The planet we share is under pressure from climate change, and housing has an important role to play in tackling it. At L&Q, we put sustainability at the centre of our strategy. We are working towards net zero while also providing wider benefits for society.
Read our Sustainability report: 2024/25 (PDF)
We're committed to:
- protecting the environment
- creating value for residents and communities
- being transparent and ethical in how we work
- supporting sustainable housing and economic growth
Our approach to sustainability
We focus on three main areas:
- Environmental
We want to become a net zero-carbon business by 2050. Our work includes:
Climate action
Our Major Works Investment programme is the largest in the UK housing sector. We are investing nearly £3 billion over 15 years to improve the safety, comfort and environmental peformance of residents' homes.
We know climate change is already having an impact on people, homes and communities. As a responsible landlord, we’re committed to protecting residents from risks such as overheating and flooding.
We also recognise how these challenges affect our operations, infrastructure and residents’ wellbeing – and we’re using this understanding to shape and strengthen our long-term response.
Resource efficiency
We are cutting waste and using energy and water more efficiently. We collect data from new construction sites and major works to set clear reduction targets.
Healthy places
Since 2022, all new developments follow environmental design guidelines to support both people and the planet.
This year, we’ve been exploring how to make our green spaces more biodiverse and resilient for residents.
- Social
We want residents to feel safe, supported and part of strong communities. Our work includes:
Providing affordable and secure homes
We build and manage affordable homes that meet Decent Homes Standards, making sure all homes are gas and fire-safe.
Community investment
We fund local projects through the L&Q Foundation, which supports training, jobs and community initiatives.
Resident involvement
We involve residents in decision-making, improving services, and local projects.
In 2024, nearly 300 residents joined formal engagement activities, and more than 800 are now part of our volunteer network.
Their feedback has influenced how we handle complaints, track repairs, and share information about energy efficiency improvements.
- Governance
We aim to be open, accountable and representative. Our work includes:
Representative governance
We’re increasing diversity on our boards, with more members from black and minority ethnic backgrounds.
We make sure resident voices are heard through Group Board and the Resident Services Board.
Employee wellbeing
We support staff through our wellbeing programme, iMatter, which covers mental, physical and financial health.
Supply chain management
We manage our supply chain responsibly, following the Social Value Act to deliver social, environmental and economic benefits.
We’re also proud to be formally accredited as a Living Wage Employer. This underlines our commitment to fair pay – ensuring that all 3,500 of our colleagues, and anyone working on our behalf, earn the real Living Wage.
We’ve paid the Living Wage Foundation’s recommended rates to all directly employed colleagues for more than ten years. From 1 April 2028, we’ll go further by only working with suppliers and contractors who also pay the real Living Wage.
Highlights from 2024/25
Reporting on progress
Our latest Sustainability report (PDF) shares updates on our targets and achievements and sets out our priorities for the year ahead.
Read our previous reports:
Our commitments
Sustainability Reporting Standard for Social Housing (SRS)
We use the SRS to measure progress. This standard is used by more than 100 housing providers and investors. It covers 48 measures, including environmental, governance and social as well as affordability and safety standards.
View our Sustainability performance tables (PDF)
You can also read our previous performance tables:
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
We align our work with the UN’s global goals.
- How our priorities align with the UN's SDGs
No poverty
Our priorities are affordable housing and resident support.
Zero hunger
Our priority is resident support.
Good health and wellbeing
Our priority is resident support.
Quality education
Our priorities are resident support, community development, youth education and skills training.
Gender equality
Our priorities are representative governance and employee wellbeing.
Affordable and clean energy
Our priority is climate change – mitigation.
Decent work and economic growth
Our priorities are resident support, community development and employee wellbeing.
Reduced inequalities
Our priorities are affordable housing, building safety, resident support, youth education and skills training and employee wellbeing.
Sustainable cities and communities
Our priorities are healthy places, affordable housing, building safety, resident support, community development, youth education and skills training and representative governance.
Responsible consumption and production
Our priorities are resource efficiency and supply chain.
Climate action
Our priorities are climate change – mitigation and climate change – adaptation.
Life on land
Our priority is healthy places.
Peace, justice and strong institutions
Our priorities are resident support, community development, representative governance, systems and risk management and employee wellbeing.
Partnerships for the goals
Our priorities are resource efficiency, resident support, community development, youth education and skills training.
Financial sustainability
Our Sustainability Finance Framework (PDF) shows investors how their funds support our environmental and social goals. This ensures transparency and attracts partners who care about both impact and financial returns.
