- UK flexible workspace provider, BE Offices, has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by the end of 2025.
- The organization has adopted a multi-pronged approach to minimizing its carbon footprint through a variety of innovative investments.
- 95% of BE’s workspace portfolio is powered by renewably sourced energy and the company has a zero waste to landfill policy, among other initiatives.
The UK government recently set the world’s most ambitious climate change target to reduce emissions by 78% by 2035, which has put increased pressure on organisations to put robust decarbonisation strategies in place.
The property sector has a major role to play in delivering some of the change required. In fact, according to the Climate Change Committee, 23% of the UK’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions derive from buildings.
Committed to lead by example, BE Offices have pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by the end of 2025. The organisation has adopted a multi-pronged approach to minimising its carbon footprint through a variety of innovative investments, which all work together to ensure that energy use is as environmentally friendly, and as low impact, as possible.
Having begun their sustainability journey in 2009 with the formation of their Green Group, BE Offices have long been committed to consistently challenging the environmental impact of its processes. Initiatives include:
- a zero waste to landfill policy since 2015
- 95% of portfolio powered by renewably sourced energy
- multi-million-pound investment in LED lighting throughout the portfolio
- introduction of motion sensor lighting
- operating on carbon neutral servers
- the removal of single use plastics and phasing out of disposable cups
- development of environmental and sustainable procurement policies
- encouraging active travel with cycle-to-work scheme and bike racks
- reusing, recycling or repurposing office furniture, fixtures and fittings
To help support their decarbonisation plans, BE Offices have been working in partnership with leading energy and sustainability consultancy, LSI Energy, which facilitated BE’s switch to a renewably sourced electricity supply in 2018.
One of the most significant investments the company has recently made is choosing to voluntarily comply with the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) Scheme. The SECR framework aims to promote transparent corporate sustainability and encourage the implementation of energy efficiency actions that bring both economic and environmental benefits.
LSI Energy will be delivering a comprehensive SECR service to help BE Offices drive real value from compliance — identifying energy and carbon-related saving opportunities and developing a programme of energy reduction measures.
Ashley Hughes, Head of Facilities, BE Offices said: “The process of decarbonising our business is critical not only in terms of responsible business practice but as a means of future-proofing our business. We are delighted to be extending our existing partnership with LSI Energy in order to take advantage of their carbon reduction expertise.”
Malcolm Spooner, Head of Markets, Water & Energy Management at LSI Energy said: “With the looming threat of climate change, rising utility costs and more stringent regulatory regimes, there has never been a better time to take control of utility consumption, costs and carbon emissions.
We are delighted to be extending our relationship with BE Offices and supporting them with their net zero ambitions; exploring, advocating, and implementing carbon reduction strategies and technologies to help reach their goals.”
