BUILD-to-rent (BTR) specialist PLATFORM_ has launched its Nurturing Neighbourhoods strategy, setting out how it will nurture its residential neighbourhoods to address the impacts of climate change and promote wellbeing for residents and communities.
PLATFORM_ is behind the 498-bed BTR scheme in Glasgow and also a 464-bed project in Bonnington, Edinburgh.
The firm’s strategy will guide the design, construction and operation of the 4,000 homes in the developer’s portfolio and pipeline. In total PLATFORM_ has set 24 targets across environmental, social and governance aspects of its business and the residential communities it develops and operates. This includes targets on embodied and operational carbon reduction, biodiversity net gain, support for charities and communities and sustainability certification standards.
At the heart of the commitments is the target for all its buildings to become net zero in operation by 2030.
The approach includes increasing on-site generation with the installation of solar panels and air source heat pumps and enhanced design measures to reduce energy consumption such as LED lighting, low flow rate bathroom products and PIR sensor-controlled lighting to common and communal areas.
By moving to all-electric developments, PLATFORM_Â said neighbourhoods are positioned to benefit from the national decarbonisation of the grid. The organisation is now undertaking pilot studies to determine the net zero pathways for its buildings.
Jonathan Rae, finance director and chair of PLATFORM_’s sustainability steering group, said, “Our sector must hold itself accountable for driving positive, sustainable change that reduces the environmental impact of the built environment whilst promoting the health and wellbeing of our residents and communities. Whilst PLATFORM_ has always acted with this in mind, including being amongst the first to adopt the BREEAM ‘in use’ standard for residential property, it is an important next step for us to crystallise our commitments to sustainable living into meaningful, measurable targets.
“By incorporating these commitments through planning, design, construction and operation we are confident that our neighbourhoods will be truly sustainable, complementing the thoughtful design, responsive service and best-in-class amenities which they are already known for.”
Ian Fletcher, director of policy at the British Property Federation, added, “Buildings are responsible for around 25% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the UK. This means that all of us, right across the industry, have a critical role to play when it comes to tackling climate change. PLATFORM_’s commitment to become net zero in operation by 2030 is a great example of industry leadership.”
