Environmental, Social, and Governance
Environmental Impact
By investing in new and modern homes we aim to accelerate the transition to net zero through investment in homes with lower operational carbon footprint. Portfolio features include:
- Cycle storage
- Solar panels
- Sustainable drainage systems
- Rainwater recycling
- Low carbon communities
- Electric car charging points
- Public amenity space
- Protected natural habitats
- Dedicated cycleways
- Wildlife migration routes
Positive Social Impact
Across the UK investments by Hearthstone have increased the provision of good quality and well-maintained homes which are affordable to residents on average incomes including key workers. Our investment strategy identifies areas with particular undersupply of good quality housing. Through our investments housebuilders have an exit route and can therefore deploy their resources in the development of additional housing. It is in our and our investors interests to maintain properties to good standards, offer long tenures and ensure residents like their homes. We conduct resident satisfaction surveys and have our own staff on the ground to resolve issues swiftly. We ensure our homes are in attractive areas with good transport connections, infrastructure, schools, local amenities and access to green space.
Governance
Our operations are underpinned by robust processes which ensure compliance with regulations and constitutional terms, and ensure our teams and third party providers have the right skills and work with care and diligence on behalf of our investors and residents. We collaborate closely with our AIFM partners as well as industry bodies to ensure our governance keeps pace with changing regulations and investor needs.
Case Study: Zero Carbon homes, Sittingbourne
In 2022, Hearthstone Investments purchased a new scheme of zero carbon homes in Sittingbourne, Kent. Developed by PSP in partnership with offsite manufacturer NetZero Buildings (part of the Premier Modular Group) using modern methods of construction (MMC), they serve as prime examples of high-quality net-zero carbon buildings in operation, powered from renewable energy sources.
The traditional-looking homes seamlessly blend with surrounding properties. They are equipped with air source heat pumps and solar panels, in addition to high-quality insulation contributing to lower energy bills for residents. All have an EPC ‘A’ rating, and the car spaces have cabling for electric vehicle charging points.
The project showcases how MMC and Design for Manufacture and Assembly can be used to create a cost-effective solution for delivering affordable net zero homes compared to traditional methods.
Latch
Since 2022, Hearthstone Investments work with Latch (Leeds Action to Create Homes) Ltd as corporate charity partner.
LATCH is a unique charitable organisation that refurbishes derelict and run-down houses in the Chapeltown, Harehills and Burley areas of Leeds. Once the houses have been fully modernised and furnished, they provide housing for people who are homeless or in housing need.
During 2023, Hearthstone raised over £3,000 to fund the cost of a container where building materials can be stored to enable the LATCH staff and volunteers to refurbish the properties. Hearthstone Investments is now working with its network of contractors, developers, and other suppliers to help keep the container stocked up with materials for LATCH’s ongoing programme of refurbishments.
