♻️ Let's Talk About Sustainability and Green Living

A new resident-led project from the Green Panel - practical ideas for positive change.

Update: 9th April

Over June and July 2025, our Green Panel worked with residents to gather your views on sustainability and green living.

Your feedback has played a vital role in shaping the action plan, helping to identify the three key areas that matter most to you. Together, we’ve co-created a set of actions to take forward, and we’re pleased to share the progress made so far below

These actions will continue to evolve, and we’ll keep you updated as they develop.

Recycling, waste and everyday choices

You Said...What we're doing now...What's next...
You'd like to see Settle contribute to more recycling and be more sustainable by reducing waste.
Over 98% of waste materials from our retrofit planned works (things like loft insulation and solar panels), were recycled into things like re-engineered paint and carbon-negative composite materials, which can be used instead of timber, concrete and steel.

Since June 2025, residents have collectively saved £161,000 on bills and 300kw of energy! Not sure if you're eligible for a retrofit? Check our website for details here.
The Green Panel are exploring our existing approach to empty properties and how we can maximise the reuse of good quality items.

We will also be exploring wider opportunities to promote and support local projects that provide good quality, low or no cost, reusable household items.
You'd like clearer signage in communal bin areas to help all residents understand which items can be correctly recycled.
We're looking to assess our communal bin areas to make sure the recycling information is accurate and up to date.

You can always report problems with your bin areas to your local council here.
Where signage is not accurate, we'll be looking into acquiring more up to date information from the local authority.

We want the information to remain clear, accurate and easy to follow, even if arrangements change over time.
Having clearer information about how to recycle properly would encourage you to recycle more.
The Green panel are working on an accessible, easy to read information pack to help residents understand how to recycle effectively and help make better everyday choices.
Once finalised, we'll be looking to create handy, easy to use guides and publish them online, so residents can access them whenever they need.


Sustainable living and climate action

You Said...What we're doing now...What's next...
You'd be more likely to live more sustainably if it saved you money.
We sent out green packs to residents who completed our Sustainability & Green Living survey, to help them reduce their carbon footprint and enable them to grow their own food.
The Green Panel are working closely with local partner Green Care at Norton, to bring to life their Community Benefit Fund project called 'Home Harvest', which encourages residents to utilise their gardens to grow food for themselves.

If you're interested in getting involved please email us at [email protected].
Having access to educational resources and tips on energy saving would help you live more sustainable at home.
The Green panel are working on an accessible, easy to read information pack to help residents understand how to recycle effectively and help make better everyday choices.
Once finalised, we'll be looking to create handy, easy to use guides and publish them online, so residents can access them whenever they need.
You’d like to see Settle lead by example.
The Green panel reviewed energy use at our office in Blackhorse Road and suggested improvements to be more energy efficient.

From their suggestions, we've made sure all our lights are on sensors! This means we're reducing our carbon emissions by up to 30-50%.
We're now actively trying to reduce the number of single use items, such as paper cups, that are used in our offices.


Protecting nature and green spaces

You said...What we're doing now...What's next...
You said green spaces are important to your wellbeing and community.
We've given £3,500 towards two green projects from our Community Benefit Fund. These projects support sustainable, healthy living whilst reducing food miles and waste! We're really excited to see how this benefits the local community in the coming months.

The Green Panel assessed the biodiversity of our outside spaces at Blackhorse Road and suggested some changes to our approach.
We're planting more shrubs and plants all around our office at Blackhorse Road. This means we can help improve air quality, biodiversity and contribute towards essential habitats for wildlife.

We're looking to work with partner agencies to create 'bee corridors' on some of the unused parcels of land in our communities, to increase biodiversity and wildlife habitat.

Update: Under review - 8th December

Fancy being part of shaping a greener future?

Our Green Panel is looking for new members - and we’d love for you to get involved!

The panel meets around six times a year and works with Settle on a range of green and sustainable projects, from planting and biodiversity to recycling and supporting residents to live more sustainably.

So far, the panel has helped increase biodiversity at our Blackhorse Road office by planting new greenery, and they’ve championed energy-saving changes such as installing additional motion-sensor lighting in the building.

If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, register your interest by 19th January!

If you'd like to find out a bit more before deciding, we’re more than happy to have a chat! Drop us a line at [email protected].

Update: Under review - 27th October

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with the Green Panel on our Let’s Talk About Sustainability and Greener Living project. We’re pleased to share we received a total of 158 comments from 50 survey responses, hearing from a diverse range of voices!

Your feedback is invaluable to our Green Panel and will play a big part in how we work together to support greener, more sustainable communities.

📢 Here's what we heard:

  • 88% of residents said recycling is important to them
  • 78% of residents said they'd be likely to live more sustainably if it helped save them money
  • 94% of residents said green spaces are important to their wellbeing and community.

When we asked "What does being green mean to you?" you said...

Across all the feedback, three key themes emerged:

  1. Recycling, Waste and Everyday Choices - residents shared how important it is to recycle, reuse and cut down on waste. Some said clearer guidance would make this easier
  2. Protecting Nature and Green Spaces - residents told us green spaces matter for both people and wildlife. They would like them looked after, and enjoyed as places to relax, connect, and support biodiversity
  3. Sustainable Living and Climate Action - residents also linked “being green” to bigger changes, like using less fossil fuels, supporting renewable energy, and making everyday choices that help tackle climate change.

Our Green Panel are now reviewing your feedback to shape what happens next.

We'll share next steps soon, and you can follow this project at the bottom of the page to stay in the loop.

We're committed to supporting greener, more sustainable communities. But we know the best ideas often come from the people who live in them.

Our Green Panel want to launch a new project focused on making practical, everyday changes that support green living. From energy-saving tips and recycling myths to improving green spaces and upcycling furniture, the panel is already exploring ways to make a difference for everybody.

Now they want to hear from you!

We’re especially keen to understand what "being green" means to you, how important it feels in everyday life, and what Settle could do better - whether it's raising awareness for being more sustainable, supporting with greener living at home or improving outdoor spaces in your neighbourhood.

We're inviting all residents to take part in a short survey to help shape the next steps. Whether you're passionate about the environment, just getting started, or somewhere in between - your views will help make this a truly resident-led initiative. This is all about working together to listen, learn and act.

👋 And if you're a younger resident or have someone between the ages of 14-18 living with you, we'd love to hear from you. Your voice and your experience matter too – and can help shape what happens next.

📋This survey is now closed.

A note from Alison and Penny, Green Panel members

"The Green Panel aims to encourage both Settle and its residents to live in a more eco-friendly and sustainable way — helping local communities and the planet by supporting environmentally conscious choices.

We’d love to know what you think! Thank you for taking the time to share your views with us."

📢 We've also included some quick fix ideas, local resources, and the importance of why green spaces matter below.

💡Quick Fix Ideas - Little Changes, Big Impact

Try these easy swaps or share your own:

🌸 Discounted flowers from supermarkets or garden centres

✨ Solar-powered fairy lights

♻️ Repurpose tins, crates or old pots for planters

🌿 Indoor plants - a great green option if you don't have a garden

📸 Got a great balcony, garden or windowsill? Post a photo on the Green Gallery! Pssst... This counts as an entry into our monthly prize draw...

💚 Why Green Spaces Matter

  • Boosts mental and physical wellbeing
  • Helps wildlife thrive (save the birds and bees!)
  • Keeps our neighbourhood's cooler and cleaner
  • No garden? No problem - even a few indoor plants can make a difference!

🤝 Local Projects Making a Difference

Support and inspiration from around our community:

A new resident-led project from the Green Panel - practical ideas for positive change.

Update: 9th April

Over June and July 2025, our Green Panel worked with residents to gather your views on sustainability and green living.

Your feedback has played a vital role in shaping the action plan, helping to identify the three key areas that matter most to you. Together, we’ve co-created a set of actions to take forward, and we’re pleased to share the progress made so far below

These actions will continue to evolve, and we’ll keep you updated as they develop.

Recycling, waste and everyday choices

You Said...What we're doing now...What's next...
You'd like to see Settle contribute to more recycling and be more sustainable by reducing waste.
Over 98% of waste materials from our retrofit planned works (things like loft insulation and solar panels), were recycled into things like re-engineered paint and carbon-negative composite materials, which can be used instead of timber, concrete and steel.

Since June 2025, residents have collectively saved £161,000 on bills and 300kw of energy! Not sure if you're eligible for a retrofit? Check our website for details here.
The Green Panel are exploring our existing approach to empty properties and how we can maximise the reuse of good quality items.

We will also be exploring wider opportunities to promote and support local projects that provide good quality, low or no cost, reusable household items.
You'd like clearer signage in communal bin areas to help all residents understand which items can be correctly recycled.
We're looking to assess our communal bin areas to make sure the recycling information is accurate and up to date.

You can always report problems with your bin areas to your local council here.
Where signage is not accurate, we'll be looking into acquiring more up to date information from the local authority.

We want the information to remain clear, accurate and easy to follow, even if arrangements change over time.
Having clearer information about how to recycle properly would encourage you to recycle more.
The Green panel are working on an accessible, easy to read information pack to help residents understand how to recycle effectively and help make better everyday choices.
Once finalised, we'll be looking to create handy, easy to use guides and publish them online, so residents can access them whenever they need.


Sustainable living and climate action

You Said...What we're doing now...What's next...
You'd be more likely to live more sustainably if it saved you money.
We sent out green packs to residents who completed our Sustainability & Green Living survey, to help them reduce their carbon footprint and enable them to grow their own food.
The Green Panel are working closely with local partner Green Care at Norton, to bring to life their Community Benefit Fund project called 'Home Harvest', which encourages residents to utilise their gardens to grow food for themselves.

If you're interested in getting involved please email us at [email protected].
Having access to educational resources and tips on energy saving would help you live more sustainable at home.
The Green panel are working on an accessible, easy to read information pack to help residents understand how to recycle effectively and help make better everyday choices.
Once finalised, we'll be looking to create handy, easy to use guides and publish them online, so residents can access them whenever they need.
You’d like to see Settle lead by example.
The Green panel reviewed energy use at our office in Blackhorse Road and suggested improvements to be more energy efficient.

From their suggestions, we've made sure all our lights are on sensors! This means we're reducing our carbon emissions by up to 30-50%.
We're now actively trying to reduce the number of single use items, such as paper cups, that are used in our offices.


Protecting nature and green spaces

You said...What we're doing now...What's next...
You said green spaces are important to your wellbeing and community.
We've given £3,500 towards two green projects from our Community Benefit Fund. These projects support sustainable, healthy living whilst reducing food miles and waste! We're really excited to see how this benefits the local community in the coming months.

The Green Panel assessed the biodiversity of our outside spaces at Blackhorse Road and suggested some changes to our approach.
We're planting more shrubs and plants all around our office at Blackhorse Road. This means we can help improve air quality, biodiversity and contribute towards essential habitats for wildlife.

We're looking to work with partner agencies to create 'bee corridors' on some of the unused parcels of land in our communities, to increase biodiversity and wildlife habitat.

Update: Under review - 8th December

Fancy being part of shaping a greener future?

Our Green Panel is looking for new members - and we’d love for you to get involved!

The panel meets around six times a year and works with Settle on a range of green and sustainable projects, from planting and biodiversity to recycling and supporting residents to live more sustainably.

So far, the panel has helped increase biodiversity at our Blackhorse Road office by planting new greenery, and they’ve championed energy-saving changes such as installing additional motion-sensor lighting in the building.

If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, register your interest by 19th January!

If you'd like to find out a bit more before deciding, we’re more than happy to have a chat! Drop us a line at [email protected].

Update: Under review - 27th October

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with the Green Panel on our Let’s Talk About Sustainability and Greener Living project. We’re pleased to share we received a total of 158 comments from 50 survey responses, hearing from a diverse range of voices!

Your feedback is invaluable to our Green Panel and will play a big part in how we work together to support greener, more sustainable communities.

📢 Here's what we heard:

  • 88% of residents said recycling is important to them
  • 78% of residents said they'd be likely to live more sustainably if it helped save them money
  • 94% of residents said green spaces are important to their wellbeing and community.

When we asked "What does being green mean to you?" you said...

Across all the feedback, three key themes emerged:

  1. Recycling, Waste and Everyday Choices - residents shared how important it is to recycle, reuse and cut down on waste. Some said clearer guidance would make this easier
  2. Protecting Nature and Green Spaces - residents told us green spaces matter for both people and wildlife. They would like them looked after, and enjoyed as places to relax, connect, and support biodiversity
  3. Sustainable Living and Climate Action - residents also linked “being green” to bigger changes, like using less fossil fuels, supporting renewable energy, and making everyday choices that help tackle climate change.

Our Green Panel are now reviewing your feedback to shape what happens next.

We'll share next steps soon, and you can follow this project at the bottom of the page to stay in the loop.

We're committed to supporting greener, more sustainable communities. But we know the best ideas often come from the people who live in them.

Our Green Panel want to launch a new project focused on making practical, everyday changes that support green living. From energy-saving tips and recycling myths to improving green spaces and upcycling furniture, the panel is already exploring ways to make a difference for everybody.

Now they want to hear from you!

We’re especially keen to understand what "being green" means to you, how important it feels in everyday life, and what Settle could do better - whether it's raising awareness for being more sustainable, supporting with greener living at home or improving outdoor spaces in your neighbourhood.

We're inviting all residents to take part in a short survey to help shape the next steps. Whether you're passionate about the environment, just getting started, or somewhere in between - your views will help make this a truly resident-led initiative. This is all about working together to listen, learn and act.

👋 And if you're a younger resident or have someone between the ages of 14-18 living with you, we'd love to hear from you. Your voice and your experience matter too – and can help shape what happens next.

📋This survey is now closed.

A note from Alison and Penny, Green Panel members

"The Green Panel aims to encourage both Settle and its residents to live in a more eco-friendly and sustainable way — helping local communities and the planet by supporting environmentally conscious choices.

We’d love to know what you think! Thank you for taking the time to share your views with us."

📢 We've also included some quick fix ideas, local resources, and the importance of why green spaces matter below.

💡Quick Fix Ideas - Little Changes, Big Impact

Try these easy swaps or share your own:

🌸 Discounted flowers from supermarkets or garden centres

✨ Solar-powered fairy lights

♻️ Repurpose tins, crates or old pots for planters

🌿 Indoor plants - a great green option if you don't have a garden

📸 Got a great balcony, garden or windowsill? Post a photo on the Green Gallery! Pssst... This counts as an entry into our monthly prize draw...

💚 Why Green Spaces Matter

  • Boosts mental and physical wellbeing
  • Helps wildlife thrive (save the birds and bees!)
  • Keeps our neighbourhood's cooler and cleaner
  • No garden? No problem - even a few indoor plants can make a difference!

🤝 Local Projects Making a Difference

Support and inspiration from around our community:

  • CLOSED: Applications to register your interest to the Green Panel are now closed.

    Join our Green Panel

    Thanks for your interest in joining our Green Panel! 

    Please fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch with next steps once applications close. 

  • CLOSED: This survey has now closed.

    Resident Voice: Sustainability and Green Living

    50 responses

    We want to better understand what sustainability means to you and how it fits into everyday life. From green spaces to saving energy at home, your views will help shape future projects and support greener, more sustainable communities for everyone.

    All responses are anonymous and confidential. 

Page last updated: 10 Apr 2026, 01:26 PM