Our approach

The quality, location and scale of our portfolio is a key component in our business model and long-term strategy. Our strategy is focused on optimising our portfolio through capital rotation by growing alignment to the strongest universities and focusing new investment on London and prime regional cities. In addition, we invest to enhance our customer offer.

Our research confirms that value for money is the most important factor for students when deciding where to live.

For both new construction and the operation of existing buildings, we are aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. To deliver on this promise, we are designing and building accommodation differently, using alternative materials and methods to reduce embodied carbon. We know that to achieve our ambitions, we must also significantly reduce energy consumption in our existing buildings through improved energy efficiency, and we must generate as much renewable electricity on site as we can.

Optimisation for our existing portfolio

As well as enhancing our portfolio through new developments, acquisitions and disposals, we have a continuous programme of improvements to ensure we have the best buildings aligned to leading universities. Through lifecycle investment, we make sure they are safe for students and our people, and that they have outstanding environmental efficiency.

Fire safety has always been a critical part of our health and safety strategy, but in response to changes in regulation and industry practice, we have enhanced our systematic, risk-based approach, assessing the real and likely fire risks at each of our properties.