Our aim is to make a contribution to improving the quality of life of people and promoting community well-being.
Housing Association News
Summer Students at Hillcrest
Hillcrest Housing Association is an organisation dedicated to sustainability and ensures that all of its activities have a minimal or positive environmental impact and make a positive social and economical contribution to local communities. On top of being the first Housing Association to create a full-time Sustainability Officer, Hillcrest is hosting 3 summer environmental placements this year. The 3 students who have joined Hillcrest will work on a variety of sustainability projects - the implementation of an ISO 14001 environmental management system; developing a business plan for a community paper recycling initiative; and researching the most cost-effective improvement measures Hillcrest might use to improve the energy efficiency of their hard to heat homes.
Duncan McLaren is the student responsible for researching the most cost effective ways to improve energy efficiency in Hillcrest’s homes. “My report will enable Hillcrest to consider a range of improvements to their current housing stock. Improving energy efficiency levels will lead to a reduction in tenants’ energy bills and also provide a better quality of life as a result of living in a warmer, more comfortable environment. From Hillcrests point of view it will enable them to meet Government targets as well as reinforcing their position as a first class social housing provider”.
John Mulloy, Hillcrest Group Chief Executive, is looking forward to working with all 3 students. “Taking on board 3 students is a reflection of our dedication to sustainability. We strive to introduce new initiatives and improve on our current way of working to ensure that we have a minimal negative impact on the environment. On top of this I am pleased that we can offer 3 local students the chance to gain such important experience before progressing to their final years of their degrees.” Caroline King, a 3rd year Geography BSC undergraduate entering her final year at the University of St Andrews, is grateful of this. “When I graduate, I hope to go on to study a Master’s degree as I am interested in a career in Environmental Management. I realise how competitive this particular sector is, however hopefully my placement at Hillcrest will help me along the way!”
The placements are coordinated by the Business Environment Partnership, a not-for-profit environmental consultancy whose overall aim is to improve environmental practice within Scottish businesses.