Grosvenor takes a long–term view of its activities and responsibilities. Environmental considerations are therefore an important factor in the management of all Group companies. Two main principles are observed:
— Grosvenor seeks to identify and minimise its environmental impact, wherever it occurs, aiming for continuous improvement and performance;
— Grosvenor seeks to make a positive contribution to sustainable development, giving consideration to environmental, economic and social sustainability in all its operations.
These principles are applied through specific objectives, policies, targets and benchmarks, which are managed at Operating Company level.
MANAGEMENT
A new position of Group Director of Environment and Design took effect from 1 January 2008 - appointed to provide policy and strategy guidance on the environment and design to Grosvenor's Operating Companies internationally, to champion the sharing of best practice in sustainability across all areas of the business and to lead research activity in order to build understanding and knowledge of how responsible interaction with the environment can be directly linked with design and development of buildings, communities and the public realm.
GROSVENOR’S ENVIRONMENT VISION STATEMENT IS:
“Grosvenor is committed to promoting best practice in all operations to ensure that we manage and create well designed, environmentally sustainable buildings and communities.
This should become a fundamental element of our brand and reputation. Through a consistent global approach, we will improve the value and performance of our existing and future assets by promoting sustainable development and reducing our environmental impacts, and that of our portfolio, particularly with respect to climate change.”
2008 INITIATIVES
OFFICE BEST PRACTICE: During 2008 Grosvenor identified best practice principles of responsible environmental management which are now being applied in all Grosvenor offices.
CARBON FOOTPRINT: Grosvenor undertook a carbon footprint assessment of its offices and business travel. The results and recommendations have informed carbon management programmes in all offices to ensure improvement on current performance. This is the first stage in an exercise which ultimately will extend to include all business operations and supply chains.
DEVELOPMENT BEST PRACTICE: Grosvenor has adopted a new development best practice mandate, which establishes the minimum environmental performance acceptable for all new developments.
RESEARCH: Grosvenor is the principal sponsor of a three-year research study by the Cambridge Centre for Energy Studies. It focuses on energy in the built environment: future patterns of usage, supply security, legislative barriers, incentives and new technologies.
2008 was a pivotal year in which Environment & Design was acknowledged as a strategic priority for Grosvenor with the appointment of a new position - Group Director, responsible for Environment & Design. Over the medium term Grosvenor’s objective is to deliver the agreed ‘Vision’ consistently across our operations