The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) will be highlighting the growing role of sustainable shopping centers as the European Union goes out to public consultation on its Smart Cities and Communities initiative. The membership organization will also be providing best practice information (such as eco-stores and BREEAM accreditation) to the Commission.
The Smart Cities Initiative is an EU project for energy efficiency and for accelerating the large scale deployment of innovative low carbon technologies. According to the Commission, urban areas consume 70%-80% of the energy in the EU and emit about the same share of greenhouse gases. This initiative intends to build on the efforts that European cities are making to draw up a comprehensive, long-term urban sustainability plan that addresses all sectors including buildings, energy networks and transport systems.
Ermine Amies, Managing Director of ICSC Europe, said: "The consultation aims to identify priority areas for smart cities as well as innovative projects and best practices. Many of our member developers lead the way in sustainable development and are keen to share their expertise and enable others to learn from their experience."
ICSC is a founding member of the International Sustainability Alliance which is finalizing benchmarking key performance indicators for all asset classes. This will become an essential tool for property managers.
Source: Nicky Godding
