Date published: 19 June 2025
Leading housing provider Stonewater has renewed its Sustainable Futures Programme after its inaugural success, with 10 customers graduating from the training scheme.
Launching as part of Stonewater’s Greenoak Centre of Excellence, the customer training programme helps upskill and inform customers interested in learning more about sustainability.
Customers learned about energy efficiency, emissions, fuel poverty, biodiversity and EPC ratings to help them gain a deeper understanding of issues affecting their homes and the planet.
The series of online sessions were delivered by Stonewater colleagues alongside external sustainability experts from partner organisations.
Viv, a graduate from the course based in the East Midlands, said: “I grew up in Africa so have a keen interest in wildlife issues. By joining the Sustainable Futures course, I’ve developed my knowledge on a subject that means a lot to me. I've been able to expand my knowledge and can commit to being part of changing how housing impacts our planet.
“My favourite thing about the programme has been the vast range of issues being explored and the way it has been made easy to understand. I was often left thinking about how I would change my own way of living to be more sustainable and how I could support others to do the same.”
At the end of the programme, customers were offered support with developing their CVs to reflect their recent training and encourage sector employment opportunities.
Participants were connected with Stonewater’s employability partner charity, Clean Slate, to help explore how they could use their new knowledge to enhance their career opportunities.
Following the conclusion of the programme, an alumni group was formed so Stonewater could continue to support members in exploring their passion and interest in sustainability.
Due to the success of the course, Stonewater has renewed the programme for a second year, with 20 customers registered to take part in the training.
Emily Stockford, Environmental Sustainability Business Partner at Stonewater, who heads up the course, said: “It’s been a pleasure to see how much customers have enjoyed the programme and watch their knowledge and enthusiasm develop week after week.
“We’re so pleased to be able to roll out the programme for a second time and welcome a new group of customers from across the country. Sustainability is a core focus for everything we do at Stonewater, so it’s fantastic to be able to pass on our passion and expertise to educate customers that are keen to expand their knowledge.”
Sustainable Futures has been nominated for the Engagement Campaign of the Year at Unlock Net Zero.