• SGCH’s first Impact report articulates SGCH’s methodology in assessing its ESG approach and foundational practices.

• SGCH says Report responds to growing interest by investors in community housing as an asset class and will boost understanding of social infrastructure, the opportunities for partnership with community housing, and the benefits delivered. 

SGCH, NSW’s largest community housing provider, has released its first Impact Report in recognition of the growing interest in the sector by investors, Government and commercial partners, and the broader sector. 

The Impact Report draws a clear link between SGCH’s strategy and the long-term impact and value that this emerging investment class is creating in the social and affordable housing area.

Speaking about the launch of the report CEO Scott Langford said, “As a profit-for-purpose organisation, SGCH takes a commercial approach to delivering social outcomes. 

“It has become increasingly clear that potential investors and other partners such as Government will benefit from a clear understanding of our approach and baseline performance so they can clearly see the social, economic and environmental benefits that are underpinned by strong governance in our organisation.”

In its report SGCH has drawn on global best practice to align its metrics, mapping its activities and linking themes from its strategic plan against the UK Sustainability Reporting Standard for Social Housing. SGCH has also aligned its approach to the SDG Impact Standards for Enterprises and prioritised three SDG’s; 1 No Poverty, 10 Reduced Inequalities and 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities. 

The Impact Report provides stakeholders with a clear report on SGCH’s approach and baseline performance.  The Report has been used by SGCH to identify gaps and set targets for improving the business as well as refining its strategy.  

Mr Langford concluded, “Impact Report 2022 is just the starting point for us. For our first report we’ve focused on seven areas of performance as a baseline. As we further develop our data sets we intend to increase this reporting scope, over time, prioritising ESG objectives that have the most impact for our organisation and our stakeholders. 

“We are also looking to develop a robust scoring methodology that appropriately weights and rates our performance, including a materiality assessment, to identify the areas of most importance to our stakeholders. 

“The input from stakeholders will absolutely drive our decision-making processes to ensure what matters is reflected and embedded in our future actions.”

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Materiality assessment

Stakeholders are invited to let us know which issues are important to them for our future reporting, please complete this short survey.

About SGCH

• SGCH has been a leading not-for-profit community housing provider since 1985 with experience in developing and managing sustainable, safe and affordable homes and connecting people to opportunity. 
• Recognised as one of the largest community housing providers in Australia, SGCH houses around 11,500 people in over 7,000 homes across the Sydney Metropolitan Region.
• SGCH is delivering Australia’s largest non-government development pipeline of social and affordable housing, with almost 1000 dwellings delivered since 2015. 

Media contact

Michelle Moore-Fonseca 0423 412 150 | michelle.moore-fonseca@sgch.com.au