UK: Later living operator Inspired Villages has announced the appointment of James Willcox as its head of sustainability.
Willcox has previously worked in similar roles and has 20 years of experience in leading sustainable development in the construction and housebuilding industry. He has worked across the suite of ESG, providing company-wide sustainability strategies alongside several innovative and sustainable projects.
He is currently a part of the Cambridge Centre for Smart Innovation (CSIC) Carbon Reduction Code Steering Group and has previously been a non-executive director for Sustainability West Midlands and the construction representative for the West Midlands Innovation Alliance Low Carbon Working Group.
Willcox said: “I’m excited to be part of this ambitious organisation and I have a vision for Inspired Villages to become the leader within their sector for ESG, delivering net zero projects that can demonstrate social impacts far beyond the life of a construction programme. I think today, more than ever, there is a need to create a sense of community and belonging, where our residents can enjoy healthy, fulfilling years protected from the risks posed by volatile economic or ecological climates.”
The company has introduced this role to meet its sustainability goals. Inspired villages is working towards delivering the UK’s first two operationally net zero communities: Millfield Green in Bedfordshire and Ampfield Meadows in Hampshire. The use of renewable energy generation through on-site photovoltaics, EV-charging, improved building fabric and insulation, Mechanical Heat Vent Recovery units, and ground-source heat pumps will take place at these sites. Inspired Villages is backed by partners Legal & General and NatWest Group Pension Fund.
Jamie Bunce, CEO of Inspired Villages, said: “At Inspired Villages we are striving towards becoming the world’s leading retirement villages operator and ESG is at the forefront of this. I’m thrilled to be welcoming James to the company, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the sustainability sector that will help us to achieve our business goals while ultimately enhancing our villages and residents’ livelihoods.”
