In 1900, Victorian entrepreneur William Sutton left his fortune to build some of the first social housing in London, with a vision to transform lives. One hundred and twenty-five years later, around 360,000 people across the country call a Clarion home their own. While much has changed, our social purpose remains the same – a commitment to making a difference and providing homes for those who need them most.
As we celebrate our 125th anniversary, we’re reflecting on our history while looking to the future. Our newly formed Foresight Group, made up of thought leaders from across sectors, is helping us explore the challenges and opportunities facing housing associations and residents. Their insights will inform how we continue to support communities and work with government to deliver much-needed new homes.
Addressing climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time. After 18 months of collaboration and stakeholder engagement, we became the first housing association in the UK to publish a Climate Transition Plan, setting ambitious targets and clear actions to reduce our environmental impact. Through partnerships such as our work with Octopus Energy, we’re creating and retrofitting homes that are more energy efficient – including the UK’s first ‘Zero Bills’ homes – helping residents enjoy warmer, cheaper and healthier living spaces.
Our charitable foundation, Clarion Futures, continues to transform lives, delivering more than £1bn in social value since 2016 and supporting nearly 70,000 people into jobs and training. This includes programmes helping residents move into green jobs and tackle the skills shortages that affect our retrofit ambitions. The impact can be seen in stories like Reinaldo’s, who secured his dream role as a Retrofit and Domestic Energy Assessor thanks to tailored support from Clarion Futures.
While we face significant challenges – from economic uncertainty to growing pressure on resources – our mission is clear. We’ll continue to lead with transparency, share our learning, and work in partnership across the sector to achieve lasting social and environmental sustainability. With careful stewardship, Clarion will keep making a difference for another 125 years and beyond.
Clare Miller, Group Chief Executive
Making a difference
Reflecting on Clarion Housing Group's performance in 2024/25
Recovering nature
Energy and carbon
We need to move towards renewable energy as fast as possible, and in doing so reduce our carbon emissions to net zero
Renewables and materials
We need to use less and reuse more within a circular economy
Biodiversity and nature
We need to implement biodiversity strategies to enhance and protect our natural environment
Restoring social equality
Social value
We need to eliminate fuel poverty and deliver positive social impact through everything we do.
Wellbeing and placemaking
We need to build and manage places that improve the physical and mental health of our residents
Climate resilience
We need to ensure our developments and communities are protected from the future risks of climate change
Rethinking business
Disclosure and sustainable finance
We need to openly compare ourselves to other businesses and ensure we lead the way in transparent and honest communication of achievements and challenges
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
We need to celebrate the richness of our diversity and reflect the communities we serve
Ethics and procurement
We need to uphold the highest standards across every aspect of the business
"Our mission is clear: lead the transition to net zero carbon homes by 2050, generating over £3bn worth of social value along the way."
Sustainability at Clarion
Clarion Housing Group is embedding sustainability across our operations, and we’re committed to becoming a zero carbon organisation by 2050.
Annual Report and Accounts 2024/25
Find out about our financial performance and how we have invested in homes and supported our residents.