UK Land Estates is focused on playing our part to help address the global climate crisis.
We made a long-term commitment to being a responsible business – launching our own Responsible Business Strategy last year to monitor and appraise our progress – and while a large part of that focuses on the positive social impact we can deliver, it is the environmental side I’d like to highlight in this blog.
We take a proactive approach to sustainable and responsible development, ensuring we’re ahead of legislative targets and government aspirations.
Our strategy codifies our ambition and ensures progress is monitored and shared with stakeholders, as we minimise the impact our business has on the natural environment.
But what are we doing in real terms? Lots, depending on whether the project is new build or refurbishment…
UKLE new developments:
- Have a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of A;
- Have photovoltaic panels installed;
- Have EV charging;
- Have efficient electric heating systems installed;
- Use low-energy LED lighting that is dimmable;
- Utilise low-flow plumbing fixtures, reducing water consumption;
- Deliver a bio-diversity net gain.
We also consider and monitor the development of green technologies so we can make provision for initiatives such as solar walls, solar thermal and ground source heat pumps.
For refurbishments, UKLE properties all achieve minimum EPC rating of C upon completion, with the intent of reaching B, and we are spending over £17m upgrading existing stock to deliver year-on-year improvements in the number of units with an EPC rating of A/B to reach the target of 100% of all units to be rated B by 2030.
And beyond the obvious environmental benefits, investing in responsible development pays off in many other ways. It enhances and upgrades our portfolio, creates a more attractive proposition for customers, it reduces costly energy bills and creates green and healthy work spaces…not to mention making the buildings looks a hell of a lot better!