10 Jun 2021
Frasers Property UK, one of the largest single owners of business parks nationally, has launched its detailed net zero carbon roadmap across its entire commercial UK portfolio. Visit: Frasers Property UK Net zero carbon roadmap
The roadmap sets out Frasers Property UK’s route for delivering on its three major sustainability commitments: to achieve net zero carbon across the whole portfolio by 2050 (which aligns with Frasers Property Group’s objective), to achieve net zero carbon across operational areas of control by 2030, and to be climate resilient and establish mitigation and adaptation plans by 2022. It covers the development of a carbon emission baseline and maps out Frasers Property UK’s climate-related risks and measurable target setting to reduce impact aligned with Science Based Targets. The roadmap concentrates on Frasers Property Group’s commercial portfolio in the UK, consisting of Farnborough Business Park, Chineham Park in Basingstoke, Maxis in Bracknell, Watchmoor Park in Camberley, Winnersh Triangle in Reading, Lakeshore near Heathrow Hillington Park in Glasgow, The Rowe in Whitechapel, London and the soon to be acquired Blythe Valley Park and Connexions located in the Midlands
Commenting on the launch, Frasers Property UK Chief Executive Officer, Ilaria del Beato said: “Delivering a positive sustainable impact has never been more important in the current climate. Committing to net zero carbon is our largest commitment to date, and one that I am most proud to endorse. Following the priorities of the energy hierarchy for existing buildings is the most challenging yet effective way to reduce emissions in the built environment. As the industry continues to understand the full impact of achieving net zero carbon, we look forward to continuing collaboration with our peers through the Better Buildings Partnership (BBP), and customers, to reduce emissions, improve the resilience of our assets, and meet the Paris Agreement to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.”
Publication of the roadmap aligns with Frasers Property UK’s membership and participation in the BBP and as signatory to its ambitious Climate Change Commitment.
Sarah Ratcliffe, CEO, Better Buildings Partnership said: “We’re delighted to see the publication of Frasers Property UK’s Net Zero Carbon Pathway. It is clear to see from the Pathway that Frasers Property UK has initiated a wide range of initiatives that will help it to deliver on its net zero carbon ambitions. With 89% of emissions from its carbon footprint attributed to Scope 3 emissions, it is encouraging to see the roadmap highlight the importance of occupier engagement and supply chain engagement – both will be vital.”
The roadmap is the outcome of a programme of work that began in June 2020, overseen by Frasers Property UK’s sustainability team – headed by Sustainability Manager, Amira Hashemi – and the cross-functional Sustainability Working Group.
“I’m excited to share our roadmap as a significant milestone towards achieving our net zero goals. In keeping with the BBP’s Climate Change Commitment, we will report an annual update on our net zero carbon commitment, to drive transparency, accountability and industry collaboration,” said Amira.
The UK net zero roadmap reinforces the priorities outlined by Singapore-based parent company Frasers Property in its Sustainability Framework. The framework’s three pillars – acting progressively, consuming responsibly, and focusing on people – form a multi-disciplinary approach that recognises 13 corresponding environmental, social and governance focus areas. It is also aligned with Group-level support for prestigious sustainability initiatives. For instance, Frasers Property has been supporting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals since 2017, and is a signatory to the UN Global Compact since 2016. Besides submitting to GRESB, Frasers Property Limited has committed to the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles, and reports against the GRI Core and G4 disclosures in the Group-wide annual Sustainability Report.