Land Securities is leading on making the case to 'green' retail with the launch of a good practice guide for retailers and shop outfitters to help reduce their carbon emissions and energy costs.
The low carbon fit-out guide recommends small and big changes to make substantial energy savings relating to lighting, heating, cooling, catering, refrigeration and ventilation. Detailed advice is given to help minimize a retailer's carbon footprint without impacting on the look and feel of a shop. In developing the guide, Land Securities has taken a retailer's point of view ensuring the measures are fit for purpose.
Benefits to retailers in implementing the guide:
- Reducing energy and installation costs
- Improving the retail environment
- Complying with legislation e.g. building regulations which set out minimum energy efficiency and performance and Carbon Reduction Commitment
- Meeting customer expectations and influencing customer choice, which has a positive impact on brand value and reputation.
Land Securities' Environmental Director Dave Farebrother said: "We firmly believe in putting sustainability at the heart of the development process and partnerships are vital in achieving this, particularly making carbon savings. As the largest commercial property developer in the UK, we have a responsibility to reduce carbon emissions in our centers and offices, and work with our tenants to help decrease their environmental impact and energy costs.
"The low carbon fit-out guide clearly presents the business case and the best way forward for property management and retail. We are already working closely with retailers on energy reductions and initial responses are very positive."
Levi Strauss David Peirsman, Retail Implementation Director for Europe, Middle East, North Africa: "At Levi Strauss & Co. our commitment to sustainability is built into everything we do, including our retail environment where we have launched a dedicated store refit program that minimizes the environmental impact of our retail outlets. We believe that a great consumer retail experience can also be a sustainable one and we therefore welcome the launch of Land Securities' Low Carbon Fit-out Guide to raise awareness about how retailers can reduce their environmental footprint and help save the planet."
The guide has been produced in collaboration with three leading engineering consultancies Hoare Lea, Foreman Roberts and WSP, which provided examples and technical analysis.
Source: Land Securities
