Sustainability at Acorn
Protecting the environment is a subject that Acorn Property Group is passionate about, especially as we are all seeing the ever-increasing detrimental impact of climate change across the world.
We are continually exploring how we can move nearer towards our zero-carbon goal and the introduction of our Acorn Green initiative represents our unique holistic approach to carbon reduction as well as our commitment to the implementation of the best design and technologies for long-term sustainable housing in communities.
Our vision is to ensure that everything we do has a positive impact and contribution to the local surroundings, creating a true sense of place and an inclusive community where residents and nature can grow and flourish long after we complete our role in the building of the scheme.
The majority of our schemes are on brownfield sites (land that has had a previous use) and where possible, we convert existing buildings rather than demolishing and building new structures. By doing this we preserve the building’s embodied energy, decreasing primary energy use and, therefore CO2 emissions. It also minimises disruption to the local community, reduces pollution and ensures the best use of natural resources and so this is something we will always continue to do.

Romy Summerskill,
Executive Chairman

Our road to zero-carbon
Creating sustainable new homes and buildings has long been our focus. The majority of our schemes are on brownfield sites (land that has had a previous use) and where possible, we convert existing buildings rather than demolishing and building new structures. By doing this we preserve the building’s embodied energy, decreasing primary energy use and, therefore CO2 emissions.
2020
Our operational office’s carbon footprint for 2019/20 was calculated to be 200tCO2.
Through carbon offset natural solutions provider, Wanderlands, we planted 1,268 trees - 1,140 on Paradise HIll in Croscombe, and 128 at Winford Rocks to help with future offsetting alongside decreasing our future carbon footprint.
2021
Via Wanderlands, we purchased 102 credits through a scheme that plants biodiverse forests in Panama through the Gold Standard, based on the output of our 2021 carbon audit.
We achieved operational carbon neutral status for 2021 of scope 1 and 2 emissions
2022
Our operational office’s carbon footprint scope 1 and 2 emissions for 2022 is currently being calculated.
2023
All new-build homes constructed from 2023 must have an EPC rating of A or B.
Acorn will no longer use gas in new homes on the commencement of new developments from August 2023 with heat instead being supplied by a heat pump (air / ground / water).
All new homes with planning granted after summer 2023 will be operationally zero carbon.
Introducing Acorn Green
Acorn Green represents our commitment to the implementation of the best possible design and technologies to further drive down the carbon footprint of our homes, moving towards long-term sustainable housing in communities. As we have always done, each development we design and build is looked at on its own merits. There is no standard layout or design and this approach also applies to sustainability. As technology evolves, so do our homes. The way in which we live is constantly changing and Acorn’s innovative thinking ensures we can respond in a proactive way.

Our collaborators and partners
At Acorn Property Group, we value our commitment to sustainability. We are proud to partner with the following organizations to help us achieve our sustainability goals
Recent articles
Discover more articles
10 reasons why your property portfolio should include the South West
June 16, 2022
10 reasons why your property portfolio should include the South West
With over 40 completed developments in the region and three regional offices, here are ten reasons why we at Acorn believe the market for property in the South West offers exceptional growth potential.

What lies behind the enduring appeal of market towns?
England has a wealth of market towns, defined simply as towns where a regular market is held: nearly 600, to be precise. Find out what makes these towns idyllic to live in and what makes them unique.

Repurposing a listed building to create sustainable, 21st-century homes: Brandon Yard
June 01, 2022
Repurposing a listed building to create sustainable, 21st-century homes: Brandon Yard
A deep dive into one of Acorn's signature developments, Brandon Yard in the heart of Bristol’s City Docks Conservation Area.
As one of the leading developers in this space, we know that our impact goes beyond the homes we build. We want to do our part to build back better, supporting green recovery in our cities and communities.