Honeycomb Group creates new role to transform approach to sustainability

Last month we successfully recruited for a new property management leadership role, with a keen focus on sustainability.

Experienced housing professional Becky Westwood joined our Property Team as Strategic Property and Sustainability Manager at the start of August. She brings with her a wealth of experience in the sector, most recently as Commercial Property Officer at Stafford-based Housing Plus Group.

It's an exciting time for us as an organisation as we begin to deliver on our recently launched five-year Corporate Plan, Thriving Futures. The new plan will ensure that our homes are EPC C rated by 2030, that customers feel safe in their homes, that all rented homes meet the new Decent Homes Standard, that we make better informed investment and that all homes are fully compliant against the seven areas, including damp and mould.

It also comes as the Property Services team sees expansion, welcoming other new appointments to ensure increased expertise across assets and contracts, compliance and health and safety.

Becky Westwood

Becky’s role will transform our approach to property management and sustainability across our housing portfolio, making positive, sustainable improvements to homes that will help local people to thrive.

Becky Westwood, Strategic Property and Sustainability Manager, explained more: “I come from a customer-facing background, which puts me in great stead as I transition over to a more strategic role.

“I know both sides, so as much as it’s important to make changes that benefit us as an organisation, it’s vital to advocate for the customer throughout and make sure that any improvements work for them too.

“Initially my role will involve writing our new decarbonization and sustainability policy, which involves a lot of work around bringing our properties up to EPC C by 2030. I know that this is a role where I can really make a difference and I’m excited to see the impact that the policies and strategies I’m working on now, have in years to come.”

Last year, it was reported that inefficient homes would cost more than £700 a year extra in energy bills than more efficient properties, according to research from Kingfisher. The data also revealed that the 19 million homes in England and Wales that have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or below, faced an average bill increase of £1,730 per year.

This year, Becky’s team will be investing £1.2m on planned improvements and retrofitting existing homes to increase their energy efficiency. With plans to replace windows, doors, consumer units, storage heaters, boiler and roofs, homes will be more comfortable, cheaper to run, emit fewer carbon emissions and be fit for the future.

“Boosting EPC ratings not only makes sure we’re meeting future requirements, but it also has a positive impact on our customers. We want them to feel safe and secure in their homes, and boosting energy efficiency will have a positive financial impact for them too.

“It’s about reassuring residents that we’re doing all we can to make their home a place where they can truly thrive.

“This is a brand-new role for Honeycomb Group and I think it really shows the commitment the organisation has to sustainability and home energy efficiency.

“Alongside my appointment, there’s been a range of other appointments across the wider Property Services team, including a new Assets and Contracts Manager and Health and Safety Compliance Manage, showing a reinforced dedication to the safety and sustainability of our customer’s homes. I feel like I’ve joined an organisation that the local community can trust.”

Click here to find out more about our new Corporate Plan, Thriving Futures.