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Managing energy use

Monitoring and managing energy use reduces our carbon emissions, minimises the impact of increasing energy prices and helps us to meet regulatory requirements.

We have been working with environmental consultants and our local property management teams to monitor and benchmark energy use across our portfolio since 2004. We encourage our project teams to incorporate energy efficient technologies in our developments and our local teams to reduce energy use at the properties they manage.

In 2007 our retail property teams reduced energy use through a range of initiatives. Time sensors were installed on lighting systems in public areas and car parks at Birstall, Broughton and Fort Kinnaird Shopping Parks so that lights are now only activated when needed. Light fittings in public areas at Teesside, Fort Kinnaird and Glasgow Fort Shopping Parks were replaced with energy efficient LED bulbs which maintain the same lighting levels but reduce energy usage by up to 66%. Lighting controls at Glasgow Fort Shopping Park were updated to give greater flexibility on circuit use following an independent energy audit. In February 2008 the team at the Peacocks Centre were delighted to receive ISO 14001 accreditation for effective environmental management. Eastgate and Meadowhall Shopping Centres also have ISO 14001 accreditation.

British Land's corporate responsibility initiatives have had a very positive impact on our business. Energy management, recycling, involvement in local communities - we can use all of these when we demonstrate our London property portfolio.

Office occupier feedback 2007 survey

Our development project teams, including architects and construction contractors, have been implementing our Sustainability Brief since 2004. In 2007/08 our developments were on target to achieve an average 25% better than current energy efficiency and carbon emissions standards (Building Regulations Part L2 2006). Initiatives to achieve this include cladding 201 Bishopsgate and The Broadgate Tower with clear glass with solar control heating, reducing the need for lighting during the day and cooling during the summer. At Ropemaker double glazed tilting façades will reduce the energy needed for cooling by up to 27% compared to a flat façade. Fixed external shading will be provided for areas of vertical glazing to the south eastern façade and the façades are designed to allow occupiers to fit out low energy cooling systems. Air conditioning systems will also be configured to use free cooling for as much of the year as possible and waste heat generated by IT equipment, lights and occupiers will be recovered and re-used.

 

At our properties and developments

 

Since beginning to introduce energy efficiency initiatives in 2004, electricity use at Meadowhall Shopping Centre has reduced by 14%, saving 1.87 million kWh and reducing carbon emissions by over 990 tonnes.

 

In 2007 the team at Eastgate Shopping Centre installed an energy efficient lighting system, motion sensors on the lighting in the new toilets and Dyson Airblade hand driers which use 80% less energy.

 

The new Costa Coffee at Teesside Shopping Park, which opened in July 2007, has a complete glass façade to minimise the need for artificial lighting and is double glazed to reduce heat loss.

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