Retailer Feedback
Energy savings
At Nassica Retail and Leisure Park in Madrid, we reduced energy use by 1% compared to last year, saving over 40,000 kWh of energy, an estimated €6,000 on energy bills and 277 tonnes of carbon.
“It is good that we think about the environment, but for instance, installing solar panels would be very costly. In the current economic climate, we would have to think about that kind of project very carefully. However, certainly all initiatives that aim at protecting the environment improve the image of a shopping centre.”
- Managing Director, Home and Garden Retailer, Portugal
Reducing energy use
- David Sanchez
- European Project Manager
We cannot afford, either financially or environmentally, to be wasteful in our use of energy or water, or to send recyclable waste to landfill.
We need to reduce our exposure, and your exposure, to rising prices and increasingly stringent regulatory requirements. We also need to ensure that we are well placed to deal with potential energy and water supply restrictions, as well as anticipating growing demands from shoppers. We will focus on initiatives that make good business sense, as well as being beneficial for the environment.”
- Improving communication
- increasing recycling
- Improving efficiency
- Renewable energy sources
You said...
“British Land should tell us what they are doing.”
- Expansion Manager, Home and Garden Retailer, Spain
So we...
We will tell you what initiatives are in place at your schemes. We take our commitment to sustainability seriously. We already have recycling schemes at a number of our properties, as well as initiatives to reduce energy use and save water. For instance, at Nassica we have an ISO:14001 accredited Environmental Management System.
You said...
“In retail, the means to recycle waste is fundamental. Cardboard, paper and plastic are easily recyclable. We need our own containers and our own spaces for the containers. I think it is important for the environment.”
- Administration Manager, Home and Garden Retailer, Portugal
So we...
We are reviewing opportunities to introduce recycling facilities at those schemes where they are not already in place. We will review financial feasibility and will work in partnership with our retailers at each scheme, as we recognise that some of you already have contracts for waste management which cover your stores at multiple locations. We will also carefully consider whether sufficient space is available on site to segregate and store different waste streams.
You said...
“Energy saving lights to reduce costs would also be good.”
- Chief Executive, Home and Garden Retailer, Spain
So we...
We are introducing energy efficiency initiatives at a number of our schemes; for instance, replacing lightbulbs with energy efficient LED alternatives, installing motion and daylight sensors so that lights are only on when needed, and zoning car parks so that lighting in some areas can be switched off during off-peak periods without affecting shoppers.
You said...
“British Land should make the most of the roof space. The park has a huge roof, a huge area, ideal for solar panels to convert solar energy. I don't know if the cost issue would be a problem but it would be great if that was done.”
- Board Member, Home and Garden Retailer, Portugal
So we...
We are investigating the feasibility of installing photovoltaic roof panels to generate solar power. Naturally, we are considering the implications of this carefully, including any effects on maintenance, warranties, insurance and leases. Payback periods are being shortened in some countries by feed-in tariffs which require electricity suppliers to buy renewable electricity at above-market rates.