The 2018 NextGeneration Benchmark

Navigating Change

From Brexit to climate change – we are currently living through unprecedented geopolitical and financial uncertainties. Uncertain times such as these challenge all industries, including the UK homebuilding sector. But the UK cannot afford to derail its aims of delivering 300,000 quality homes in England per year by the mid- 2020s, and thus homebuilders and investors alike are expanding their approach to risk mitigation.

To help homebuilders navigate the uncertainty they currently face, the 2018 NextGeneration report highlights 3 key areas of risk and opportunity which they can focus on to solidify their business’ future: supporting employee mental health, promoting thermal comfort (or mitigating overheating), and embracing modern methods of construction.

To see the full details of the results of the benchmark please click the link below or on the image to the right.

Sustainability Benchmarks

What is benchmarking?

Benchmarking is the process by which companies compare their performance against a recognised external standard (“a benchmark”). In “benchmarking clubs”, like NextGeneration, companies can also compare their performance against their peers. Benchmarking is commonly used in all industries to enable companies to better understand their current performance, set improvement targets and share best practice for mutual advantage.

What does NextGeneration benchmark?

The benchmark is carried out in two phases: Phase 1 where publicly available information is reviewed and Phase 2 where members can increase their score by providing evidence of activities that are not discussed in public reports.

How are the benchmarking criteria decided?

Each year, a set of benchmarking criteria are created by Jones Lang LaSalle, as Secretariat of NextGeneration, in consultation with the Executive Committee and homebuilders who are participating in the benchmark. The benchmarking criteria are based on best practice standards and guidance, often produced or endorsed by central and local government or third party organisations, such as charities or research organisations. The criteria are designed to be challenging and go beyond statutory minima or standard practice.

Member services

NextGeneration membership provides the following benefits:

• A more accurate assessment of your performance: An additional Phase 2 audit means members can increase score by providing evidence of activities that are not discussed in public reports.
• Expert advice on how to improve your performance: Each member receives a bespoke results presentation that includes peer gap analysis and advice on the next steps for improvement.
• Access to thought leadership, innovation and shared learning events and network: Three member events provide briefings on emerging sustainability trends and innovation.
• Promotion of your approach to sustainability to primary stakeholders: A launch event and public report promotes members approach to investors, the Homes and Communities Agency, Registered Housing Providers, local authorities, communities, customers and employees.

NextGeneration Executive

The NextGeneration Executive Committee provides core funding to the initiative and comprises its main governance body. This committee’s role is to ensure the integrity and transparency of the initiative.

The Executive Committee is made up the Homes and Communities Agency, UK-GBC and the secretariat is currently recruiting for additional members.

Click here for the Terms of Reference for the Executive Committee.