ESG Metric: GHG Scope 1 emissions
Ease of implementation: Difficult
Suitable for: Office based industries
Suggested functional lead: Office manager, HR
Summary
Sustainable office spaces or facilities are a crucial part of tackling climate change as buildings are responsible for over 40% of emissions. To assess sustainability of a buildings, we suggest looking at BREEAM and LEED certified buildings. They are both globally recognized green energy building certifications focusing on reducing the environmental impact of waste, energy usage, water and construction. To decrease your water wastage, we suggest relocating to a BREEAM or LEED certified building. It is essential that you collecting data on current water wastage at your facility so you can quantify the reduction in water wastage once you have relocated. Cranberry communications offer a free relocation checklist to help you plan your move in a given timeline.
Background Information
BREEAM or LEED are both green energy building rating systems. They focus on reducing energy and water usage, promoting high air quality and reducing environmental impact of waste and construction materials1. Both are internationally recognized, setting new standards for environmental performances of buildings. The main difference between the two certification is their approach to the certification of buildings. Find out more about their difference here.
JLL performed a study analysing 127 office markets and submarkets in 112 cities. The study found that 84% of premium office buildings were either LEED or BREEAM certified. In higher end markets, that figure rose to 100%, illustrating the global shift to green buildings by both tenants and landlords. The banking and finance service industry dominated the premium office space demand globally, with technology firms coming in close second.
Implementation Steps
Collect data on current water wastage
Collect data on the current water wastage in the office or facility to ensure you can compare the water saved once you have relocated.
Research potential LEED and BREEAM facilities in your area
Research what BREEAM or LEED certified office spaces are available. Consider the implications for daily commutes, ensuring there are efficient public transport link. Get in touch with the landlord of the new potential office building and see whether they can accommodate for your business. You may want to get various quotes from different buildings to compare and contrast the deals.
Check any existing contracts
Check the exiting contract in the current office building. This may include contacts for utilities, telephone systems, internet etc. Ensure you there is no breach in contract by moving office buildings.
Use Cranberry Communications’ free Relocation Checklist
Cranberry Communications offer a free comprehensive move plan for relocation. It takes you through 45 tasks to complete for a smooth move. It is divided into 8 projects covering initial planning, budgeting, new building utilities, logistics, and IT systems such as cabling and internet systems. Each task has a deadline determined by the desired move date, which you can enter in manually in the Excel spreadsheet. Download the checklist here.
Collect and share water wastage reductions
Collect data on water usage in the new facility and compare it with the previous office spaces. Share the reduction on water wastage with the team. If possible, publish an article or report externally sharing your best practices and methods to waste water reduction for other businesses to learn from.
Costs
Landlords can charge a rent premium on BREEAM certified buildings. The premium can go up to 3.7% for a ‘very good’ rating, 4.7% for ‘excellent’ and 12.3% for ‘outstanding’. Only 1% of buildings assessed by BREEAM receive an ‘outstanding’ rating with the other 99% achieving either ‘very good’, ‘excellent’ or lower BREEAM certifications. This means the premium we suggest should be lower than 3.7%, and definitely not need to exceed 4.7%.