Scotland’s largest trading estate has boosted its environmental credentials and reinforced its position as a leader in sustainability in Scotland with a four star rating in a major global sustainability initiative.
Hillington Park, which is owned by Frasers Property UK, received the rating from the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB), which measures the environmental, social and governance performance of real estate. The four out of five rating placed Frasers Property UK first amongst its competitors.
A number of factors contributed to the rating at Hillington Park including Frasers Property UK’s target of net zero carbon in all landlord-controlled areas by 2030 and a commitment to BREEAM sustainability certification for all new developments. The latest West 100 and 200 development at Hillington Park, which is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2022, is targeting a high quality BREEAM ‘Very Good’ scheme with a sustainable energy-efficient specification.
Meanwhile, the redevelopment of warehousing on Carnegie Road has been designed with improved energy efficiency at its core. Modelling by independent energy consultants Carbon Futures has estimated that the proposed installation of enhanced insulation, LED lighting, air-source heat pump efficient heating and removal of gas appliances, will reduce energy consumption by 79% compared to the building’s current condition.
Sustainability and biodiversity are at the heart of Hillington Park with additional initiatives in place to make the business park even more environmentally friendly. These include an increase in EV charging points and the installation of bicycle storage pods, free bike repairs and servicing.
Moving forward Hillington Park is aiming to secure ISO 14001 accreditation in 2022 – an initiative focused on helping companies reduce industrial waste and environmental damage – while plans are also being progressed to install rooftop solar panels on the estate on top of 100% renewable electricity procurement through the grid for external common areas.
The Park is also looking to introduce a health and wellbeing framework, with projects to support occupiers including improvements to pedestrian and cycle travel and the incorporation of more green spaces, including a wildflower garden and bird box installations.
Amira Hashemi, Sustainability Manager at Frasers Property UK commented: “We’ve worked hard to not only optimise our asset portfolio, but also the way we structure our corporate operations. We’ve integrated sustainability into our risk management processes and improved our reporting. We have also certified over 1.6 million sq ft of space with BREEAM certifications and technical assessments across the portfolio.”
“A 4-star GRESB rating is fantastic recognition of our efforts to integrate and deliver sustainability improvements across the portfolio and it is great to see Hillington Park at the heart of this process as it continues to set the standards for sustainability across Scotland.”