Newsroom

Minister praises BPF'S green 'world leaders'

Housing and planning minister, Caroline Flint, praised the green credentials of UK property developers like Land Securities, Tesco and British Land yesterday (10 June) in a rousing speech at the British Property Federation’s annual conference in London.

The minister singled out a number of developers for praise, saying that the industry’s contribution had been “immensely important in raising the profile of green and sustainable buildings – to the point where we’re actually a world leader in the field”.

“It’s this kind of commitment which has changed green issues from a marginal concern into something which every business has to take seriously,” she added yesterday.

Ms Flint joined a host of business chiefs, including Francis Salway (Land Securities), Rupert Clarke (Hermes), John Richards (Hammerson), Ian Marcus (Credit Suisse) and Sir David Walker (Morgan Stanley), as well as Liz Peace CBE, the BPF’s chief executive.

Ms Peace said afterwards:

“It was a pleasure to host such a positive and well attended event. It cemented the BPF’s position as the voice of the industry and we were delighted that the minister chose to recognise the innovative and progressive stance we are taking on all the major issues. Her assurances that she will continue to work closely with us are most welcome. We look forward to building on our success and to continuing to raise the profile of the industry.”

Ms Flint said that Ms Peace, was “a vocal champion of the sector” and that “members of the BPF have consistently demonstrated that social and environmental issues are among their top priorities”.

Ms Flint reasserted the government’s “ambition to work towards making sure that new commercial buildings can be zero carbon from 2019”, as well as plans for a “consultation on future renewable energy use” later in the year.

Developments singled out for praise included:

Tesco

“Their eco-stores in places like Swansea and Shrewsbury are making sustainable development central to their overall business strategy.”

British Land

“At Regents Place in Euston, British Land working with the local community is helping to transform the fortunes of an area with high levels of deprivation and exclusion. Their development will not only bring retail and office development to the tune of around 2,400 jobs. It will also mean major residential development, with around 50 per cent affordable housing alongside new facilities like green spaces and a community theatre.”

Westfield

“In White City, Westfield is making sure that local people are the main beneficiaries of the new retail centre. Not only will this be the largest shopping centre in London, it will also bring a new library, children’s nursery and affordable housing schemes. And the developer is also contributing to transport improvements on both tube and bus links.”

Land Securities

“Land Securities will be providing 10,000 homes over the next twenty years as part of the development of Ebbsfleet.”

“Just look at the work that Land Securities has been doing with Eversheds at Number One Wood Street, putting corporate responsibility and environmental awareness first. Their new building has introduced every possible effort to reduce the build’s carbon footprint – from intelligent lighting to temperature control, not to mention the largest green roof in the City.”

Calthorpe Estates

“Calthorpe Estates… in Birmingham as part of their £350 million programme of investment and regeneration. They have won recognition not only for their commitment to sustainability, but also to excellence in design. At 19 George Road, a flagship project, they are pioneering new technologies for sustainable development like an innovative heating system.”

Unite Group

“Companies like Unite offer an invaluable service for those looking for flexibility, choice and excellent standards of service.”

Grainger

“Grainger is well known for its investment in residential property – often as part of bigger development projects.”

Ends

For hi res images from the conference, interviews or queries, please contact the BPF on 020 7828 0111