Sustainable Development in Scottish Commercial Property: Trends and Innovations
Photo by Sander Weeteling on Unsplash
Sustainable development in Scottish commercial property has become a significant focus in recent years as businesses and investors increasingly recognize the importance of environmental responsibility. Scotland, known for its stunning landscapes and commitment to renewable energy, is at the forefront of sustainable development initiatives.
Here are some key trends and innovations shaping the landscape of sustainable commercial property in Scotland:
Renewable Energy Integration: Commercial properties are increasingly incorporating renewable energy technologies such as solar panels, wind turbines, and ground-source heat pumps to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources. Scotland’s abundant natural resources make it an ideal location for renewable energy generation, and these include high rainfall with mountainous terrain, wind, and tidal energy. It is home to nearly half of all the UK’s onshore wind farm developments and The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), a world leading wave and tidal energy test centre is in Orkney, and the company Orbital Marine Power has recently launched “what is claimed to be the world’s most powerful tidal turbine” from the port of Dundee. Scottish Enterprise have recently published several reports on potential increased demand for hydrogen power and what businesses could benefit from this green energy, including the construction industry.
Sustainable Transportation and Accessibility: Sustainable commercial properties in Scotland prioritise accessibility and promote alternative transportation options. This includes incorporating bike storage facilities, electric vehicle charging stations, and improving public transportation connectivity. By encouraging sustainable commuting practices, these properties contribute to reducing carbon emissions and easing traffic congestion. Dundee has been recognised for its investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure, making it easier for residents and businesses to transition to electric vehicles. The city has also introduced an innovative ‘industry first’ rainwater harvesting technology as part of a new public EV charging hub”.
Rainwater harvesting is just one example of water conservation, a crucial aspect of sustainable development. Other innovations include implementing water-saving technologies such as low-flow fixtures and water-efficient landscaping. which involves the planting of native plants and adding green space around office buildings etc.
Green Building Certifications: Certifications such as BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) play a crucial role in promoting sustainability in commercial property. Assessment under BREEAM requires evaluation of a commercial building’s design, construction and use operation of a development against a set of benchmarks for sustainable value in categories that include:
- Energy
- Land use and ecology
- Water
- Health and wellbeing
- Pollution
- Transport
- Materials
- Waste
- Management
Developers and investors are actively seeking these certifications to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices and attract environmentally conscious tenants.
Here’s just a couple of examples of outstanding green buildings we have listed on NovaLoca:
- New Park Square in Edinburgh is an all-electric office building with an EPC A and BREEAM excellent rating.
- Marischal Square in Aberdeen has the ‘best environmental ratings of any office building in Aberdeen’.
These trends and innovations illustrate how Scotland’s commercial property sector is making significant strides towards a more sustainable future.
