Crest Nicholson
Science based target validation and over 10 years of strategy and disclosure support
Crest Nicholson is an FTSE250 listed developer operating in the UK. The business has five housebuilding divisions and a centralised specialist Strategic Land division. Sustainability is at the forefront of the business and remains at the core of the Group’s purpose to build great places for customers, communities and the environment. The Group is committed to reducing its environmental impact and making a lasting positive difference to the communities it serves, while delivering high-quality, thoughtfully designed homes.
What did the client need?
As part of our ongoing work with Crest Nicholson, the client sought specialist support to strengthen their carbon and climate strategy and climate-related disclosures.
This included forecasting their future carbon emissions, identifying and quantifying decarbonisation levers, and setting ambitious yet achievable science-based emissions reduction targets. Crest Nicholson also wanted to build internal capability through team training on whole life carbon measurement, equipping them with knowledge of carbon hotspots within their supply chain and an ability to undertake future assessments.
How did Verco support the client?
Verco supported Crest Nicholson by developing a robust methodology for calculating Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions, including whole life carbon assessments for a representative sample of standard house types. This was complemented by a forward-looking emissions projection through to 2050.
We provide ongoing annual and interim GHG calculations and reporting, with limited assurance of emissions data. Verco also worked closely with Crest Nicholson to develop a science-based target, supporting them throughout the SBTi validation process – resulting in Crest Nicholson becoming the first UK housebuilder to have an SBTi-approved net zero target.
To support climate-related disclosures, Verco provided both qualitative and quantitative inputs for TCFD, ESOS and Crest Nicholson’s corporate reporting. We’ve also supported Crest Nicholson’s CDP submissions for over a decade, offering technical guidance and benchmarking insights that help the company clearly communicate climate risks, opportunities, governance and progress in line with CDP’s evolving requirements.
Finally, Verco delivered tailored training on whole life carbon measurement, enabling Crest Nicholson’s Group Sustainability and Technical teams to identify carbon hotspots and build internal capability for future assessments.
What was the result?
Crest Nicholson’s science-based targets were validated in 2022, marking a major milestone in their net zero journey. Verco’s technical and strategic support has given the business confidence in achieving both near and long-term emissions goals. Our GHG reporting forms the foundation for tracking progress, while our CDP and TCFD support has strengthened climate-related communication to stakeholders.
We continue to enjoy a close working relationship with Crest Nicholson, providing ongoing support with both voluntary and mandatory climate disclosures.
Verco’s support has been instrumental in shaping and validating our carbon reduction strategy. Their technical expertise, clarity and ongoing guidance have helped us build internal capability, set credible targets and communicate our progress to stakeholders. They’ve been a valued long-term partner on our journey to net zero.