Retrofitting helps Grosvenor cut carbon by a quarter

Grosvenor has reduced carbon emissions across its UK portfolio by more than a quarter since 2019, according to its latest sustainability report. The People.Plant.Positive report is the first to be released since Grosvenor adopted an integrated sustainability strategy based around carbon, biodiversity, waste, an evidenced approach to community wellbeing and support for local business, sector diversity and targeted philanthropy. The company reported a 26% reduction in carbon emissions since 2019 and a 13% year-on-year reduction in operating emissions thanks in part to the retrofitting of 1m sq ft of residential and commercial space. Among these retrofits is the Grade II listed Billiards Building in Birmingham, which Grosvenor has taken from EPC E to A and made the city’s first listed net zero office. Grosvenor said four out of five developments completed in 2023 were delivered below 2025 embodied carbon targets of 500kgCO2 e/m². It also said 27% of all spending in 2023 was directed towards local businesses. Grosvenor group sustainability director Tor Burrows said: “Our commitment to sustainability is integral to our goal to create vibrant neighbourhoods where occupiers, communities and nature thrive. Through early action and continual innovation, we remain on track to deliver against some of the industry’s most stretching sustainability commitments. “As we celebrate our successes, we recognise that progress won’t be linear and is likely to become incrementally more challenging. But we are also optimistic – knowing that innovating, collaborating and bold early investments have driven significant advances already. And, by being candid about our experiences and where we have had to reassess our approach, we hope to support wider industry change too.”