Market Harborough Building Society are a forward-thinking modern mutual organisation with strong physical presence in North Northamptonshire and South Leicestershire. With over 150 years of successful operation, they share a mission to ensure their longevity for at least another 150 years.
MHBS are deeply committed to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and are actively seeking BCORPS accreditation to validate their ethical operations.
While their intentions for environmental sustainability are genuine, they currently lack a strategic framework and have not yet set specific targets or performance criteria. However, they are determined to change this by engaging their colleagues, customers, and supply chain in their improvement goals.
Their first step is to establish a baseline Carbon Footprint Report, which will help to inform them in setting formal targets and development of a clear strategy.
Tim Neal, Head of Footprint, comments “Our business values are clear: we are dedicated to helping our customers, colleagues, and communities to Thrive! Central to this vision is our commitment to building a truly sustainable business that supports a healthy planet through well-executed and transparent actions….a planet that can be enjoyed by future generations.”
MHBS have partnered with Joe and Pippa Gil, carbon auditors from Auditel, to embark on this mission. Based locally in Leicestershire, they bring a formal verification and robust reporting software to the team.
A significant challenge for all lenders is managing the impact of mortgaged properties on their Scope 3 carbon emissions. MHBS faces this issue as well and is actively working to gather more detailed data on the energy efficiency of the homes they finance.
This effort will help to identify potential carbon reduction opportunities in the coming years.
MHBS have already started the below decarbonisation projects:
- Facilities van delivering between sites is an Electric Vehicle
- MHBS operate an EV salary-sacrifice scheme
- Two electric charging points at Head Office can be booked by colleagues for personal vehicle charging at cost
- Electricity supply is via a green tariff. MHBS and Auditel are investigating REGO certification for the green energy source
- All buildings are fitted with LED lighting controlled by PIR sensors
- Physical server rooms are in the process of being transferred to cloud-based data storage
Market Harborough Building Society aim to calculate the 2024 carbon footprint by mid-2025, at which point they then look to develop plans for carbon reduction and establish a Net-Zero target and strategy.
“We are dedicated to being responsible custodians of our business, aiming to create a positive legacy for our communities and the planet.”
Tim Neal, Head of Footprint
