A strong commitment to helping improve the environment

Energy Efficiency

We are constantly looking for new ways to reduce energy consumption in the properties we manage. This is not only good for the environment, but also helps to reduce the energy utility bill for the development. This typically includes the use of renewable sources where they are feasible and practical, such as the green roofs at the development we manage at Colindale, London.

Green roofs can help improve air quality in the immediate area; generate energy savings by insulating a roof; increase the lifespan of the roof, minimising the maintenance need; a green roof can help create a biodiverse habitat in areas in which there wouldn’t typically be one; and they can absorb rainwater, which can help to reduce flood risk.

Water Conservation

We actively encourage responsible water consumption by the residents of the properties we manage. Where it is feasible we recommend the adoption of water saving initiatives, such as rainwater harvesting. Again, this helps to reduce the energy utility bill for the development while generating stores of water that can be called upon in the event of a drought or a fire.

Waste Reduction and Recycling

We promote waste reduction and recycling programs in all our developments via regular updates and community days. This includes encouraging people to reduce their use of single-use plastics, and to dispose of their waste more responsibly. This can include disposing of hazardous waste such as oils to a recycling centre or recycling their spent batteries. A prime example of this is the successful food waste recycling scheme at Palgrave Gardens, London.

Sustainable Practices

Incorporating green building practices in property maintenance and major works is not easy, but it is important if the property sector is to meet its obligations as a part of the Government’s net zero targets.

At Premier Estates, we actively improve our knowledge of sustainable practices via nationally recognised certifications. This informs us as to how we can better pursue environmentally friendly building standards and how we can better educate and encourage our staff and contractors to use environmentally friendly materials.

On top of the expected approach to green building maintenance, we actively encourage our staff to adopt greener practices including their travel plans – taking the train for site visits and car sharing – and their own home recycling habits.

Our commitment to social and employee wellbeing

Sustainability includes a responsibility to people and their welfare as well as to buildings and building practices, the environment, and to recycling schemes.

Community Engagement

Actively communicating and engaging with communities and prioritising the wellbeing of our residents and tenants is very important to Premier Estates. Understanding their needs and concerns helps us to plan our activities in relation to the developments they live in. Accountability is vital, as such we believe it is important to be as visible as possible to our residents, tenants, and clients.

At the London Dock development which we manage, our team worked closely with residents to form a dedicated committee with sub-groups, who are empowered to focus on specific areas of the site, giving a forum for residents’ views and their input.

Resident and Employee Wellbeing

Developments that are under maintenance or major works, open air workspaces and office spaces can become hazardous environments if they are not properly managed.

Hazards can be physically and mentally challenging, which is why we encourage a culture of respect, diversity and inclusion, and collaboration in the developments we manage and in the workspaces we are responsible for.

Our commitment to health and safety has seen Premier Estates awarded the RoSPA Gold Award for health and safety performance. Premier Estates is also ISO:450001 accredited for occupational health and safety.

Ethical Practices

Our integrity and ethics are standards that Premier Estates was built upon. Fair and transparent dealings with all stakeholders is important for garnering strong relationships and trust. We are up front about costs and fees and will never over promise to our clients. Being realistic and sensible ensures that all stakeholders know exactly where they stand when they deal with Premier Estates.

At Premier Estates we never cut corners and always adhere to applicable laws and regulations related to property management and sustainability.

Continuous Improvement

Adopting a framework of continual improvement (Kaizen) is important for all businesses. At Premier we continually review our policies and procedures to ensure we are aligned with industry standards and best practices. This includes our sustainability goals and our working practices in general, we then adjust where necessary.

Communication and Education

As we mentioned earlier, clear, and consistent communication is a key component of our business activities. Informing residents and clients of our sustainability efforts and our progress is one way we evidence our commitment to them as people and to their livelihoods.

Our employee communication, education, and training via our intranet and through external accreditations also helps to reinforce our sustainability message, while giving them the tools and knowledge to help us achieve our goals.

At Premier Estates we believe sustainability is not just a responsibility but an opportunity to create better, healthier, and more vibrant communities. We are committed to upholding and improving our sustainability commitments and integrating sustainability into every aspect of our property management operations for years to come.

Premier Estates provide award-wining property management services across the UK. If you would like to speak to one of our team about managing your property portfolio, please call 0345 491 8899.

Sources:

www.greenroofers.co.uk/green-roofing-guides/advantages-disadvantages-green-roofs/