Our aim is to:

• ensure sustainability is considered at each stage of the property lifecycle;
• ensure our Energy Action Plans are implemented in each of our buildings;
• work with our contractors and consultants to ensure our sustainability aspirations are acheived;
• offer all tenants green leases; and
• minimise disruption from our developments to tenants and neighbours

The Environmental Policy Committee chaired by Toby Courtauld and including Neil Thompson and Senior Managers from across Development, Asset Management and Finance is responsible for the strategic direction of the Group’s sustainability policies and procedures, monitoring changes in legislation and considering best practice guidance.

During the year to 31 March 2011 the Environmental Policy Committee:

• considered the changes to the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme;
• prioritised the implementation of Energy Action Plans for each building, based on where a building's EPC rating fell beneath the benchmark'
• approved the implementation of a new energy management software system to record meter readings and energy consumption to provide better reporting on energy figures both internally and to tenants; and
• revisited the Group's reporting under The Greenhouse Gas Protocol.

The Environmental Working Group chaired by Timon Drakesmith, the Finance Director and made up of senior representatives from each department meets on a quarterly basis and monitors the Group’s compliance with environmental legislation and best practice and reports to the Environmental Policy Committee throughout the year and to the Board annually.

All employees, contractors and consultants are required to use The Group's Sustainability Framework to ensure the integration of key sustainability matters throughout all aspects of the Group's operations of investment management, asset management and development through specific procedures required in respect of sales and acquisitions. Areas covered by the Framework include energy, waste, materials, water, transport, ecology, tenants and the community and pollution.

Investment management

Prior to a property acquisition an environmental due diligence report is undertaken, mechanical and electrical surveys are also undertaken to identify plant and equipment inefficiencies. Information is also requested on energy capacity to assess whether current and potential future tenant needs will be met.

Asset management

Our Energy Action Plans have identified a number of opportunities to improve our energy efficiencies across our portfolio. During the year to 31 March 2011, we have installed more energy efficient light fittings at 61% of our buildings, and made enhancements to over 31% of the portfolio through improvements to our boiler and air conditioning equipment, increased insulation and installation of secondary glazing. Where large scale alterations have been recommended, these have been included within our ongoing refurbishment programme.

Energy and water consumption is monitored by our Energy Manager with the data externally verified by Bureau Veritas and disclosed on the Company website. During the year, our reporting methodology has been reviewed in line with DEFRA reporting standards and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. As part of our goal to ensure transparent reporting we also monitor and record levels of waste disposed of to landfill, recycling and waste to energy recovery. We have consistently reduced the percentage of waste sent to landfill since 2008 and continue to set stretching targets to further reduce this total.

The Group’s Environmental Management System is controlled and administered by the Health, Safety and Environment Manager and is audited by external consultants on a regular basis. Our Environmental Management System is designed to operate in line with ISO14001. All contractors are required to comply with the Group’s environmental policy statement and external consultants also carry out environmental checks on all managed properties on an annual basis.

Development

All our major developments are subject to BREEAM rating with a target to achieve a rating of “Very Good” on major refurbishments and “Excellent” on new build properties with energy efficiency, water conservation and waste minimisation facilities considered at the design phase.

Each development is continually reviewed throughout the project to identify ways to maximise energy efficiency and promote sustainable resource use. We have set targets to carry out post-occupancy reviews of developments six months after occupation to ensure that design efficiencies continue to make energy savings once the building is occupied. We aim to increase Energy Performance Certificate ratings by a minimum of one grade for refurbishments and to achieve a minimum of a B rating on all new developments. We continue to ensure that at least 90% of timber used in development and refurbishment schemes come from FSC certified sources or equivalent. During the year ended 31 March 2011, we committed to securing FSC project certification for all new developments.

Download our 2011/12 Environmental Sustainability Objectives and Targets

Download our progress against our 2010/11 Sustainability Environmental Objectives

Download our 2010/11 environmental objectives and targets

Download our progress against 2009/10 environmental objectives and targets