Bridges and the Environment

Furthermore, having identified the specific environmental aspects applicable to the activities carried out at this location, it shall be the policy of Land Securities to:-

• Adopt a common approach to the collection of waste from both common areas and our tenants in order to maximise the amount that is recycled.
• Minimise the energy consumption of the centre and the associated emissions of Carbon Dioxide, whilst operating the services to provide conditions appropriate to the requirements of our tenants and customers.
• Minimise the usage of mains water within the centre, appropriate to the operational demands.
• Manage the water run-off and drainage to minimise the possibilities for flooding.
• Implement appropriate management procedures to minimise the risk of pollution.
• Seek to implement measures that reduce traffic impacts associated within the operation of the centre.
• Avoid creating noise nuisance to our neighbours.

We do lots of green stuff at the Bridges and are working towards a greener tomorrow. We're committed to environmental issues and are constantly reviewing centre operations to identify new ways to become even more environmentally friendly. We have monitored our energy use since 1981 and have achieved significant reductions in energy consumption over the years, by using carbon offsets, renewable sources of energy, and trying to deliver energy in the most efficient ways.

As part of a range of green initiatives the centre management team now divert 100% of waste away from landfill. There have been a number of low energy initiatives introduced throughout the centre including a reduced lighting scheme and more efficient low energy air blade dryers in the customer toilets. There is also a range of water saving initiatives being introduced to help the Bridges achieve its planned 20% reduction of water usage.

The centre management team also provide support and guidance to centre staff and retailers using the “Enviro-Wheel”. This is an information tool designed to be used as a guide to environmental savings and was introduced across the Land Securities portfolio last year.

An environmental and financial cost-benefit analysis of the eco-friendly cleaning regime here at the Bridges Shopping Centre was undertaken with MSc students at University College London. This regime shows benefits in many areas, including reducing reliance on cleaning chemicals, raising cleaning standards, and has benefits in terms of cost.

As a result of all our environmentally friendly policies, we have gained many awards, which include:

• The Green Apple Award – National Runner up 2005 for Environmental Best Practices in Retail
• The Spirit of innovation Award 2006 – Winner of the Service Award
• The Land Securities Values into Action Award 2005
• The Land Securities Values into Action Award 2006
• National Clean Air Award 2005
• Carbon Neutral Award 2005-2006

The Bridges retailers are also eco-friendly and have individual environmental policies.