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Workspace Group PLC

Workspace Group PLC. THE BUSINESS CASE FOR SUSTAINABILITY Matthew James Research & Sustainability Manager For Knowledge London Thursday, 27 th September 2007. www.workspacegroup.co.uk/sustainability. About Workspace Group. Flexible, affordable, workspace to let throughout London

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Workspace Group PLC

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  1. Workspace Group PLC THE BUSINESS CASE FOR SUSTAINABILITY Matthew James Research & Sustainability ManagerFor Knowledge LondonThursday, 27th September 2007 www.workspacegroup.co.uk/sustainability

  2. About Workspace Group • Flexible, affordable, workspace to let throughout London • London’s leading space provider to SMEs • Own & manage 100+ business centres in London with 4,000 customers • Buy estates & extract value by refurbishing, re-using or extending • A core value is to be the first point of contact • Customer focused & have a sustainable business model

  3. Our properties

  4. Our customers • The typical Workspace customer: • operates in creative industries/professional services (knowledge economy) • employs less than 10 people (50% employ less than 4) • been in current unit less than 2 years buttrading for 5+ • occupies 1,100 sq ft & pays an average rent c. £12,000 pa • describes their business as “going for growth” • considers Workspace to offer “value for money”BUT, “typical” doesn’t exist!

  5. Sustainability “Sustainability is about more than just recycling!” • Sociale.g. volunteering, community involvement • Environmentale.g. waste management, green travel • Economice.g. sustainable financial returns • Climate changee.g. reducing CO2 emissions

  6. Why is it important? “We believe the case for sustainability is as simpleas it is compelling: it makes good business sense.” • Understanding impacts • Assessing risk • Identifying opportunities • Encouraging positive change • Addressing stakeholders’ needs • Sustainable model for growth

  7. Making the case “We have responsibilities to our stakeholders and the environment.Being sustainable is about managing these responsibilities” • Reducing costse.g. reducing resource consumption, waste • Brandinge.g. Plan A (M&S) Blue & Yellow Make Green (Workspace) • Stakeholder demandse.g. customers, investors, staff, suppliers • Policy & legislatione.g. EPCs, building regulations • Local impacte.g. creating wealth, employment, etc

  8. Understanding the relationship “Creating a sustainable business model that addresses ourresponsibilities and can deliver sustained growth” • 3rd Dimension (PMA/Upstream) • Observer article (Co-operative Investment Services) • Carbon Disclosure Project • Business In The Community (CR Index) • EIRIS (Ethical Investment)

  9. Our customers & Us “We are property owners, not occupiers. Neither are wesustainability experts. Partnerships are the key” • Best Foot ForwardEcological footprint – direct and indirect impacts • Kingston UniversityCustomer research – customers want help from landlord • Carbon Trust5-year Carbon Management Plan • EnvirowiseWaste & energy reduction – customer engagement pilots • London Better TogetherMaking London a better place to do business – customers, suppliers

  10. Knowledge Transfer Partnership KTP Program with Kingston University – James Dixon-Gough • Meteringunderstand metering - problems and opportunitiesuse energy data to target reduction • Customer EngagementCustomer engagement – addressing “indirect” impactsPartnerships with specialist orgs. to encourage change • Fabric & RefurbishmentStructural improvementsRefurbishment materials checklist

  11. The story of our year A coherent strategy – customer focused engagement 2006 The London Plan – used as an external frame of referenceStern Report states economic impact of climate change Best Foot Forward calculates ecological footprint for WSG – reveals discrepancy between “direct” and “indirect” impactsCarbon Trust help WSG to develop 5 year Carbon Management PlanKingston University conduct research into “green” attitudes of customers – reveals SME customers want to do more and want help from landlord Staff survey carried out to understand employees perceptions of WSGBlue & Yellow Make Green campaign launched “Green Days” with Thames Water, Envirowise & Carbon Trust held across WSG centres… 2007 2008

  12. Questions • How can we better understand the relationship between sustainability and business performance? • Can we calculate its value? • How can universities assist businesses in improving sustainable practices? • How can universities access businesses? • Do businesses communicate sustainability performance in the right way? • And to the right people?

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