_Are ESG considerations changing the ways buildings are managed?

Occupiers are now driving the push for more and better green buildings.

Iain Moss, Partner, Property Asset Management July 11, 2022

Knight Frank's 2021 (Y)OUR SPACE survey of global occupiers found that 58% of the 400 executive respondents believe their Net Zero commitments will influence future real estate choices. This demonstrates that corporate occupiers understand the role their real estate will play in the fight against climate change. Moreover, with 37% reporting that they have a clear target to increase the proportion of their real estate accredited with environmental certifications.

While conformity to minimum standards (e.g. MEES) is now an established requirement, many of our clients are starting to consider ESG and sustainability credentials as a point of differentiation and opportunity. Investing time and money in ESG will mean a more attractive investment proposition and provide an enhanced user experience for a building’s occupiers.

Our clients are starting to place much more emphasis on improving a building’s ESG credentials, not just in central London but across all of our regional offices. We have showcased a couple of examples for you…….

103 Colmore Row, Birmingham

Birmingham’s brand new, best-in-class office tower, 103 Colmore Row will be the first commercial office building in the city to actively combine enhanced facilities management with smart tech via its own app, to deliver an unrivaled occupier experience. The app will also provide the on-site FM team with real-time data about the building’s energy consumption allowing them to drive improvements in the building’s environmental performance. The building recently won an ESG award at The Props for being the first commercial office in the central business district to be powered by Birmingham's district heating system.

Castlemead, Bristol

A landmark city centre office building with 360 panoramic views over Bristol. Standing at 80m, Castlemead is the tallest office building in Bristol. Following a recent refurbishment, it achieved the UK’s first CyclingScore ‘platinum plus’ rated cycling facilities, demonstrating our client’s commitment to sustainable transport and promoting health and wellbeing in the workplace.

The Heights Business Park, Weybridge

The Heights is a business park with a vibrant campus and outstanding amenities. The on-site management team has recently launched a new bike hire scheme with funding from the local council to enable commuters to cycle to and from Weybridge train station. It couldn’t be easier to book bike hire via The Heights app. The Heights bikes are available to hire up to 12 hours in advance for a maximum duration of 90 minutes. Hubs A, B & C are situated at The Heights Business Park plus a secure hub at Weybridge Station.