Two shopping centres become the first in the UK to achieve net zero carbon status
Two retail destinations, Quayside MediaCity in Salford and Gloucester Quays, are the first of their kind to achieve ‘Net Zero Carbon – Operational Energy’, in line with UKGBC’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Framework. The two retail destinations have been added to the growing list of Peel L&P’s buildings which have achieved net zero carbon status, demonstrating the company’s commitment to climate resilience by rolling out net zero carbon initiatives across its estate. The buildings have achieved ‘Net Zero Carbon – Operational Energy’, in line with UKGBC’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Framework, following action taken to reduce those emissions and their renewable energy use. In 2021, many of Peel L&P’s assets were transferred to a 100% renewable electricity tariff linked to named wind farms, which considerably reduced carbon emissions across the property portfolio. Within the retail outlets, energy efficiency programmes have included upgrading lighting systems across all spaces including public areas, food courts, back office and advertising signage. Jo Holden, Peel L&P’s Sustainability and ESG director said: “This is a huge milestone. To have achieved net zero carbon with two significant retail destinations is a UK first and shows just how serious we are at taking action to reduce carbon emissions across our portfolio.