Our new sustainability lead spearheading positive change

We're pleased to announce the appointment of our shared sustainability lead, John Swinney. In this unique, newly created position, John will work across housing associations Watford Community Housing, B3Living and settle to adopt more sustainable, collaborative ways of working, reduce the negative impacts of construction, and invest in energy-efficient homes.

John, who is also the current CEO of Just Housing and Chair of 3SC, has vast experience working across a variety of public and private sector companies, including 20 years in local government, as well as serving as Chair of Watford Community Housing’s Group Board. He has been appointed to ensure the partnership employs modern, eco-friendly construction techniques and to reduce overall carbon output.  

So what does this mean for our residents? Ultimately it means that we're looking to the future, working collaboratively to ensure that our customers are provided with modern, energy-efficient homes that are constructed in an environmentally-friendly manner. 

Speaking on his first day in the new post, John said: “I’m so pleased to be working across such an engaged, forward-thinking partnership that clearly sees the importance and value in sustainable ways of working. Now, more than ever, residents need cost-effective, energy-efficient homes, and the organisations that provide these homes have an obligation to be as eco-friendly as possible in the process of doing so.” 

Collectively, Watford Community Housing, B3Living and settle own and manage around 20,000 homes in Hertfordshire. Together, we are joint-funding this position in a move to ensure further collaboration, driving forward joint procurement and targeting a net zero carbon output by 2050.