Environmental & Sustainability
High Chelmer strives to ensure that wherever possible we implement effective and innovative environmental strategies and measures to reduce consumption and enhance energy efficiency across the common environs of the Centre enhancing our CSR status in the wider community.
LaSalle Investment Management recognises that buildings have a major impact on the environment. We are committed to playing a role in addressing global environment challenges through the investments we make, as well as our day-to-day operations. We have designed internal policies and business practices in consideration for the social, environmental and economic impact of our operations. At High Chelmer, we collaborate with tenants, property managers and service providers to ensure the best sustainable solution to the management of the centre whilst maximising investment performance.
Waste Management
Our customer service team recycle tenants’ cardboard and plastic waste as well as wood pallets. Our waste contractor Green Recycling have a policy of 100% recycling of our other waste. Green Recycling is mindful of its obligation to recycle and takes this responsibility very seriously. The decrease of landfill space available coupled with the increase of Government recycling legislation placed upon businesses means that companies must look at new ways to dispose of their waste streams. Green Recycling has a range of innovative systems such as the “recycle all” bin that can recycle more of your waste whilst reducing costs.
Climate Change and Energy Management
All malls and service yards have the benefit of good (and free!) natural light during the daylight period. Lighting is controlled via time clocks, photo-electric cells or movement detectors where applicable. Socket outlets in public areas are locked to prevent unauthorised use and for safety purposes. Power factoring devices are used in plant rooms. Utility service providers are centrally procured negotiating favourable tariffs. New lighting introduced during the recent refurbishment is extremely energy efficient. Under- utilised equipment is switched off when not in use, e.g. monitors at Customer Service Control are switched off overnight as the single night officer uses the spot monitor only. This saves wear and tear on the equipment as well as energy consumption. Movement sensor-lighting has been installed in common areas, such as management stairwells and corridors. The Centre has an ongoing programme of conventional lighting replacement to LED.
Electricity/Gas
All common areas benefit from good (and free!) natural light during the day. Lighting is controlled via time clocks, photo-electric cells or movement detectors. Socket outlets in public areas are locked for safety to prevent unauthorised use. Power factoring fitted in plant rooms. All non-essential equipment switched off when not in use enhancing equipment life/reducing energy consumption. All radiators individually thermostatically controlled. Water heating via PV solar panel system.
Water Management
Internal supplies are metered as are external standpipes which are also locked secure when not in use. Rain water is harvested in two service yards which is used to irrigate external trees and planting areas.
PV Solar Panel Systems
We have demonstrated that we are an environmentally friendly shopping centre by the reduction of common area energy use which in turn has reduced our carbon footprint as well as costs. The introduction of the PV solar panels positively contributed to the above credentials. Inspired by a smaller solar panel water heating project installed at our office complex, a larger scheme on the Primark building project was installed. We currently have a further PV project completed on other roof areas comprising 1004 modules (256.02kWh PV solar panel units).
Enhancing Biodiversity and Land Use
High Chelmer are long term Gold members of the Essex Wildlife Trust and actively work with the Trust to identify wildlife around the city centre and assist in their protection. A lacewing habitat has been planted and maintained and high level bat boxes.
IS0 14001
High Chelmer is ISO14001 accredited. This is an International Standard, accredited to businesses who demonstrate their commitment to sustainable activities. The system provides the framework to allow us to meet increasingly high customer expectations of corporate responsibility as well as legal and regulatory requirements.
Our Client, LaSalle Investment Management on behalf of Coal Pension Properties Limited and our management company Savills were keen to achieve ISO 14001 Environmental Management certification and a high BREEAM rating.
Other Environmental Initiatives
Winner of Green Apple Award 2015 and Green World Ambassador registered. A donation was made on the winner’s behalf to Green Earth Appeal whose planting in emerging nations not only help the environment and wildlife, but also create job opportunities for the local populations. High Chelmer is also flood plan registered with the Environment Agency.
Communication
All initiatives communicated to tenants/external agencies via e-newsletters, press releases, other social media platforms and website. Environmental events are regularly organised e.g. Edible Essex Project.