REDEVCO plans to assess its retail developments in Europe according to green building rating standards, as part of our commitment to improving the energy efficiency of our operations and to accelerating green design. To demonstrate this commitment, the company aims to assess its new development projects using BREEAM, the world's longest established and most widely used green building standard. REDEVCO is currently preparing 11 green projects in Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Turkey and the UK.
The first REDEVCO building with a BREEAM certificate was 40 Princes Street in Edinburgh. REDEVCO UK has also undertaken initial assessments of 120 Moorgate and 1-4 Connaught Place in London. In cooperation with REDEVCO, C&A is pursuing an eco store concept which focuses on state-of-the-art building and shopping infrastructure to ensure energy efficiency. In the second half of the 2008 trading year, C&A is scheduled to open its first eco store in Mainz in Germany. Overall energy savings of approximately 50% are expected to be achieved compared with the current system. The eco store will be powered by renewable energy, which in turn will trigger carbon neutrality for the total store. The UK BREEAM retail standard will be adapted to the German situation for this purpose. REDEVCO Turkey plans to certify the new developments in Ankara, Edirne, Erzurum and Manisa using the BREEAM standard, and the UK BREEAM retail standard will be adapted to the Turkish situation for this purpose. The BREEAM certification process for five of REDEVCO Turkey's projects commenced on 19 October.
As part of REDEVCO's commitment to introducing energy-saving technologies, REDEVCO France is currently carrying out two pilot projects: an eco-community, including shops and housing, in the heart of Bordeaux's historic center, and a massive solar energy production unit in Pontault-Combault. REDEVCO France plans to build France's most powerful solar power station embedded in the roof of its forthcoming Les Quatre Chênes retail park in Pontault-Combault (43,000 m²). REDEVCO is being supported in this project by GOOD ENERGIES, a company belonging to the same group (COFRA Holding AG) and a leader investor in renewable, wind and solar energy, and in power management technology for the building industry.
REDEVCO Belgium is to install PV panels on the roofs of its development project in Wilrijk. It also plans to install PV trackers at the car park, which will automatically follow the path of the sun throughout the day. The finished complex will open at the beginning of 2008.
REDEVCO Netherlands will develop the prestigious Ravel project on Amsterdam's Zuidas and the post office building in Rotterdam according to green standards. The Ravel programme will include at least 15,000 m² of retail space and focus on the top segment of the international retail market.
REDEVCO Netherlands will develop the prestigious Ravel project on Amsterdam's Zuidas and the post office building in Rotterdam according to green standards. The Ravel programme will include at least 15,000 sq. m. of retail space and focus on the top segment of the international retail market.
Commenting on the assessment, Jaap Gillis, Chief Operating Officer of REDEVCO Europe, says, "It is all very well for a company to say it is going green, but empty promises mean nothing. To demonstrate that our commitment is not an act of commercial lip service, we want our new development projects to be assessed by an independent third party using an internationally recognised standard."
BREEAM will be used as a guide and an objective tool in making our buildings green. BREEAM assesses the environmental performance of buildings, from design through to construction and operation. BREEAM sets out the standards for best practice in sustainable development and demonstrates a clear level of achievement. Buildings are rated on a scale of pass, good, very good and excellent and a certificate awarded. It is regarded by the UK's construction and property sectors as the measure of best practice i
