Solar PV panels are provided on all our new units. These panels provide a source of renewable electricity which can:

• significantly reduce energy bills and decrease reliance on traditional grid power
• stabilise long-term energy costs, providing greater energy independence and reduced reliance on external energy sources
• significantly reduce carbon footprint, demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility.

Operational carbon emissions arise from the energy used to heat, cool and power the building. Our units are as energy efficient as possible, focussing on:

• high-quality thermal insulation and air tightness in excess of building standards
• LED lighting with daylight and activity sensors
• natural daylight to warehouse and office spaces, with over 10% rooflights
• air source heat pumps which are up to four times more efficient than conventional HVAC systems and means that there is no fossil fuel needed to power the building.

This is carried out alongside providing solar panels as a source of renewable energy.

All of our new units target at least EPC A for energy efficiency, with some units designed to EPC A+ (this is equivalent to net zero carbon for regulated energy use).

Whole Life-Cycle Carbon (WLC) emissions are the carbon emissions resulting from materials, construction and use over a building's entire life, including demolition and disposal.  Embodied emissions form part of this assessment, and refer to emissions from the materials and energy utilised in the construction process.

We provide whole life carbon assessments for our projects, and as part of our overall net zero target, we are working to drive down embodied carbon emissions.

All our new units are provided with EV charging points to promote more sustainable travel for staff and fleet vehicles. A minimum of 20% of parking spaces are provided with charge points and ducting is in place for all other spaces to allow further charging points to be installed.

Cycle parking is provided to all units and where space allows, units are provided with shower facilities.

All our new units are designed with the wellbeing of occupants in mind. They provide high quality internal working environments including, for example, thermal and visual comfort and daylight optimisation. Where possible trees are planted, providing useful shade in the summer months and where space allows outdoor amenity spaces are created. These not only provide well-being benefits for occupants but also provide opportunities to enhance on-site biodiversity.

Green infrastructure is incorporated into our new developments wherever practicable to support biodiversity, wellbeing and climate resilience. Measures incorporated into our schemes include:

• Retaining existing trees and planting new trees, which provide useful shade in the summer months
• Landscaped amenity areas for tenants with seating and biodiverse native species planting
• Provision of green roofs on cycle shelters and on flat roof pod extensions to units
• Ecological enhancements including bat boxes and bird boxes
• Sustainable urban drainage strategies.

Our developments and managed assets have a role to play in providing employment to local communities, supporting a diverse range of tenants including warehousing, online retail, leisure, services, trade and last mile delivery. Many of our units are occupied by SMEs.

During the construction phase we work with our contractors to promote the use of local companies.

All our new units specify water saving equipment as standard for example low flow taps and dual flush toilets with reduced effective flush volumes. We work closely with our contractors to reduce waste during demolition and construction, for example by producing pre demolition audits and waste reduction plans. We also aim to ensure that any waste that is generated is reused, recycled and diverted from landfill wherever possible.

We aim to provide a high value improvement to every community we work in by volunteering and/or providing donations to charities or community organisations. Previous charities have included a youth club, community centre, schools, foodbanks and food clubs in addition to charities tackling domestic abuse and homelessness in their local area. Read about our recent work on our CSR and Social Value page. We also work with our contractors to provide opportunities for local people to take part in training and skills development.