Insights

Building on two years of ESG reporting by the Australian community housing sector

Posted August 11, 2025

Author(s):

Michelle Tjondro

Experts in this area:

Sectors:

Housing

Related Services:

Governance models

SGS Economics and Planning ESG Annual Review2

The second Annual ESG Review of Australian Community Housing was officially launched on 28 July 2025, marking a significant milestone in the sector’s commitment to environment, social and governance (ESG) principles.

In 2023, the first ESG Reporting Standard for Australian community housing was launched with the conviction that more can and must be done to highlight the central role of quality, affordable housing in the lives and livelihoods of all Australians.

This year’s report was shaped by 17 community housing organisations, which collectively own and manage approximately 54,000 properties, representing around 40% of the housing stock held by Australia’s 100 largest Tier 1 and Tier 2 providers. The number of Adopters and Supporters of the ESG Reporting Standard has now grown to 44, underscoring the sector’s growing momentum.

In just two years, the sector has demonstrated notable progress. ESG reporting has become more comprehensive, with sustained efforts in energy efficiency, stronger governance frameworks, and improved emissions tracking. The 2025 review not only broadens the evidence base but also reflects a shift from initial adoption to purposeful integration of ESG principles into how community housing organisations deliver services, form partnerships, and plan for the future.

Left to right: Rebecca Oelkers (BHC), Adrian Harrington (Housing All Australians), Danny Dracic (CHL), Nicole Yazbek-Martin (Australian Sustainable Finance Institute), Karen Walsh (KarenWalshConsults), Charlotte Brown (Commonwealth Bank of Australia), Alex Raphael (Australian Community Housing), Elham Monavari (Green Building Council of Australia), Michelle Tjondro (SGS)

The community housing sector has a strong tradition of social purpose and impact. It offers not just affordable and secure homes, but the services that enable residents to live with dignity, stability, and purpose. We know that the value of this extends far beyond housing — it encompasses health, employment, education, and opportunity across generations.
— Michelle Tjondro, SGS Senior Associate

SGS Economics and Planning Michelle Tjondrocolour

Key milestones from the 2025 review include:

Deeper cross-sectoral engagement: SGS Economics and Planning, RITTERWALD, and Community Housing Industry Association National (now Australian Community Housing) convened two strategic workshops in April and May 2025 to inform version 2 of the ESG Reporting Standard. Insights from over 50 community housing organisations, lenders and investors are consolidated into a consultation guide and a draft version 2 ESG Standard, and open for feedback until 1 September 2025.
Appointment of an Interim Governance Group: An interim governance group was appointed in June 2025 to develop a 3-Year Roadmap for the Standard. The group includes representatives from Australian Community Housing, Housing All Australians, Unity Housing Company, Commonwealth Bank, CHL, Green Building Council of Australia, Bric Housing, Social Investors, and the Australian Sustainable Finance Institute.
Demonstrating value to inform the national conversation: This year's report showcases how ESG reporting is already influencing community housing organisations’ strategy, long-term investment decisions, and strengthening governance. The standard continues to spark dialogue among policymakers, financiers, and the broader housing ecosystem about what sustainable and impactful housing investment looks like in practice.

The ESG Reporting Standard aims to attract and diversify funding into the community housing sector by offering a clear and concise framework of 41 annual reporting criteria. These criteria are aligned with international best practices, including the UK Sustainability Reporting Standard, and are being refined to meet global standards used by capital markets worldwide.

In today’s environment, measuring and reporting on that value is more important than ever. Expectations around transparency, accountability, and long-term impact are growing. This is where a sector-specific ESG Reporting Standard plays a crucial role in demonstrating value to funders, partners, and the wider community.
— Michelle Tjondro

Originally led by Community Housing Industry Association and now stewarded by Australian Community Housing, the launch event welcomed attendees both in person and online. Special thanks were extended to Corrs Chambers Westgarth for their ongoing support in the development and implementation of the ESG Reporting Standard.

Left to right: Adrian Harrington, Danny Dracic, Elham Monavari, Nicole Yazbek-Martin, Michelle Tjondro

SGS Economics and Planning reaffirmed its commitment to this strategic initiative, continuing to work closely with ACH, RITTERWALD, and partners across the housing and finance sectors to ensure that all Australians—regardless of location or income—have access to safe and affordable housing.