The Broadgate Environmental Working Group was established in 2004 and consists of representatives from British Land, Broadgate Estates and major occupiers. These now include Baring Asset Management, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Henderson Global Investors, Herbert Smith, Royal Bank of Scotland and UBS.
In 2006 members of the Working Group gathered data on waste, recording how much was recycled, how much went to landfill and how much was incinerated. This data was then analysed on a per head basis for offices and a per square foot basis for retail. A more coordinated approach to waste management, combined with the installation of cardboard balers and a glass crusher increased recycling from 40% to 46%.
Broadgate Estates provided all occupiers in the Working Group with a simple list of tips on how to reduce energy consumption. At the Working Group meetings, occupiers often benefited from opportunities to discuss environmental issues with each other and with people from organisations such as Arup and the City Property Advisory Team at the City of London.
We are also working with the Corporation of London on a feasibility study of initiatives to reduce carbon dioxide emissions at Broadgate. Ideas being considered include installing renewable power sources such as wind turbines or solar panels, and combined cooling, heat and power sources.
Next steps: In 2007 the members of the Working Group will continue to gather data and will work towards the following targets:
- To reduce waste per head by 5%
- To increase recycling of waste from 46% to 51%
- To reduce the proportion of waste to landfill from 34% to 14%.
Find out more energy efficency and waste management at Broadgate.
