Property group embarks on journey to reduce carbon emissions

Clowes Developments has embarked on a mission to reduce carbon emissions across its operations.

The firm has identified the urgent need to proactively integrate Environmental Social Governance (ESG) into the day-to-day function and decision-making processes across the group, from land and planning to development through to asset management.

It has engaged specialists BE Design to deliver the group’s ESG strategy – and has already taken several steps to kick-start making its ambitions a reality.

For example, the group has historically published its carbon usage in its end of year accounts through Companies House.

Now, it is taking that a step further by verifying the data through the industry leading carbon tracking platform, Planet Mark.

Becoming Planet Mark certified helps businesses implement an effective carbon reduction strategy, stay ahead of legislation and mitigate risks, eliminate the risk of greenwashing and boost operational efficiency.

The group’s utility co-ordinator, Daniel Houldey-Wright collated the groups energy usage data in line with the reporting requirements for Planet Mark.

Daniel said: “At first it felt a somewhat overwhelming task. The group has a large number of properties and meter supplies, which needed to be streamlined.

“We have had to implement several administrative changes to the way we collect our data as well as expanding our efforts to have smart meters installed across our portfolio; allowing us to not only access readings more swiftly, but to also better manage energy consumption across the group.

“During the process, we were also very pleased to calculate that around 90% of our total energy usage stems from renewable sources, so we will be working on the balance of our supplies to achieve 100% renewable energy across our portfolio.”

Managing director Thomas Clowes, development director James Richards  and Kate Henderson, head of marketing at Clowes, are leading on the set up, roll out and ongoing management of the group’s ESG strategy, working alongside BE Design.

Thomas said: “I am incredibly pleased with the teams’ efforts to submit this year’s Planet Mark data successfully and according to a tight schedule; we now have an accurate benchmark of our current carbon footprint, and we can begin our journey to reduce this year on year.

“Our aspiration is to deliver a 5% reduction by 2025. Clowes have a responsibility to play our part in reducing carbon emissions.”