Across the UK property sector, expectations from investors, occupiers and regulators are evolving quickly. Sustainability, social value and transparency are now part of commercial decision-making, not simply corporate messaging.
That is why LRG has published its latest ESG Impact Report - a detailed look at the progress we have made and the actions we are taking to operate responsibly across our business.
You can read the full report here
Why ESG matters in property
The built environment plays a significant role in the UK’s transition to net zero and in shaping local communities. From housing quality and energy efficiency to community engagement and governance, property businesses sit at the intersection of environmental impact and social responsibility.
The report highlights that ESG performance is increasingly influencing investment strategy, risk management and long-term asset value
For LRG, that means embedding ESG into day-to-day operations, not treating it as a separate initiative.
With more than 4,000 employees and a nationwide branch network of over 340, the scale of the business brings both opportunity and responsibility.
Environmental: reducing impact while maintaining growth
LRG has focused on measurable environmental progress, particularly around carbon, energy and waste.
Key achievements include:
- Achieving and maintaining carbon neutrality eight years ahead of target
- Converting over 290 tonnes of waste into energy, generating more than 177,000 kWh of renewable power
- Expanding the electric vehicle fleet from one vehicle in 2022 to 39
- Reducing direct emissions from 26% of the company’s footprint in 2020 to 8% in 2024
Operational changes are just as important as headline commitments. Offices now use renewable energy, sustainable fit-out materials and water-saving measures, while behavioural initiatives — such as end-of-day energy checks — have already saved significant energy consumption.
Beyond operations, environmental partnerships are creating tangible impact. Through conservation initiatives, the business has supported the planting of over 37,000 climate-resilient trees, restoration of wildflower meadows and rebuilding marine habitats.
Social: supporting people and communities
ESG is as much about people as it is about carbon.
One of the report’s most significant initiatives is EmpowerHer, a programme supporting women across the business and wider property sector. More than 400 women are now involved in mentoring, networking and leadership development activities
Alongside this, LRG colleagues:
- Raised over £50,000 for charities
- Volunteered in community and environmental initiatives
- Participated in wellbeing, training and development programmes across the organisation
Flexible working, enhanced family policies and mental health support are also embedded into workplace culture, recognising that employee wellbeing and service quality are closely linked.
Governance: transparency and accountability
Strong governance underpins credible ESG performance.
LRG’s ESG performance is independently assessed by Sustainable Advantage, with year-on-year improvement across environmental, social and governance categories
The business has also strengthened compliance and oversight through dedicated data protection, cyber and legal leadership.
The aim is clear: ensure ESG commitments translate into consistent business practice, from anti-money laundering controls and customer transparency to whistleblowing protections and risk management.
Looking ahead
The report is not intended as a conclusion but a roadmap.
Future priorities include maintaining carbon neutrality, exploring pathways to net zero, expanding biodiversity projects and widening access to EmpowerHer across newly acquired businesses and the wider industry.
Ultimately, ESG at LRG is about accountability. The property sector has a real influence on how people live, work and interact with their communities and with that influence comes responsibility.
This report shows the direction of travel: moving from commitments to measurable outcomes, and from policy to practical action.
