‘Brilliant’ support for Eden Supported Housing - Environmental Management Systems

Contribution to sustainable development and people’s quality of life:

Eden Supported Housing has developed a strong reputation for providing individual support and care packages through a person centered approach in long term accommodation. The company was established in 1994 and has grown to provide flexible long-term support to tenants with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and other health needs.

The first property was established for a group of four individuals with mild learning disabilities.

Two of the original tenants got married and we provided them with their own home close to the original property. This gave them their independence whilst maintaining a high standard of support and care.

Eden Supported Housing has developed this flexible approach in order to meet more complex needs and the Company Structure has been expanded and adapted to support these changes.

Our track record of reinvestment and measured growth provides us with the financial strength to fully fund and undertake significant projects.

At June 2006 we support over 165 tenants who live in their own homes in Newark, Bassetlaw, Nottingham and Mansfield.

Alongide Eden Supported Housings projects they have also worked alongside the BEST Network's to help improve their resource efficiency to reduce costs and minimise their environmental impact. To achieve this, it helped Eden work towards implementing an Environmental Management System in line with BS8555 & ISO 14001. The BEST Network is a collaboration between Nottingham Trent University (NTU), East Midlands Development Agency (emda), Loreus Ltd (software development & training consultancy) and Experian. 

Organisation: The Best Network

Sector: Partnership

Location:  Newark, Nottinghamshire

Start Date and expected duration: .  June 2006 and Ongoing

Summary:

The organisation received an individual site visit including a comprehensive BEST Network business review. This review covers 12 business areas which can impact on cost and the environment. The organisation also received a copy of additional BEST Network (which is in line with BS8555) software to assist staff beyond the review and site visit.

Background:

:Staff set up a "Green Team" to focus on reducing energy consumption by raising awareness with training throughout the organisation. Staff received a clear, concise set of actions to implement. In turn: practical ideas on how to further reduce energy bills including incurred by tenants, a tailored environmental policy documenting good practice (the latter an effective tool when tendering for contracts).