5 Impact Report 2023-24 As a social and affordable housing provider, focusing on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors is imperative to BHC’s core mission. By committing to ESG outcomes, we ensure that our projects are environmentally sustainable and contribute positively to the wellbeing of the communities we serve. This includes energy-efficient design, utilising sustainable materials, maintaining effective governance, and fostering social cohesion through community engagement initiatives. Our commitment to ESG aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), of no poverty (SDG 1), good health and wellbeing (SDG 3), reduced inequalities (SDG 10) and sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11). This year, BHC worked on further formalising our ESG framework, with the establishment of an ESG Steering Committee, and sharpened our focus on the “E” aspect of ESG - environmental sustainability. BHC participated as an ‘early adopter’ in the Community Housing Industry Association’s (CHIA) new ESG reporting standards for the Australian community housing sector. BHC submitted data against all of the Core criteria and many of the Enhanced criteria to assist CHIA in the development of a baseline in this first year of reporting. Our progress on ESG initiatives Rooftop solar panels to lower residents’ energy bills As part of BHC’s dedication to sustainability and cost-efficiency, we are piloting rooftop solar panels at our Wardle St, Mount Gravatt East building to lower residents’ energy bills. With the aid of a Queensland Government grant, we have implemented the innovative Solshare technology. This system allows for equitable distribution of solar-generated electricity to each apartment, a solution previously unattainable for multi-tenant complexes. Solshare monitors each unit’s solar energy usage over the month, ensuring equal access to solar benefits for all residents. While still in the early stages of evaluation, we are anticipating a cost reduction of up to 40% per resident on their electricity bill. For a resident whose energy bill might be around $250 per quarter, this equates to a cost saving of $100 per quarter - which for a low income household makes a significant positive impact to their household budget. Commitment to using social enterprises BHC actively supports fellow charitable organisations, with a steadfast commitment to amplifying our social impact wherever possible. We harness the potential of social enterprises to not only empower communities but also to ignite innovation and promote social inclusion. Our engagement with social enterprises includes corporate gifts and catering services. On a larger scale, our Design Guidelines incorporate products like MailSafe letterboxes from the Brisbane-based organisation “Help”. This social enterprise champions the independence of individuals living with disabilities by providing meaningful employment, learning opportunities and other supports.
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