Manchester-based shopping and leisure destination, the Trafford Centre, has shared ESG progress made at the site during the last 12 months.
As part of its ‘For Our Future’ strategy, the retail hub says it is minimising its impact on the environment and creating positive social change.
It said the centre remains focused on a mission to reduce the direct greenhouse gas emissions of the spaces it controls to achieve net zero carbon emissions across Scope 1 and Scope 2 by 2030.
Simon Layton, centre director at the Trafford Centre, commented: “As both a shopping and a leisure destination that attracts thousands of visitors per day, we have a responsibility to be conscious of our environmental and societal impact and how we can improve it for the better.”
Below, we’ve highlighted five things the Trafford Centre is shouting about in terms of ESG progress.
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Energy, waste, and recycling
The centre said it has reduced its energy consumption by 21.5% and increased its recycling rate to 66% to put itself two full years ahead of its 2025 target of ensuring 0% the site’s waste goes to landfill.
According to an ESG progress report published at the end of July, the centre is working on water and waste management projects, as well as encouraging biodiversity through on-site beehives and the rejuvenation of its outdoor spaces.
Layton remarked: “Already the changes we implemented just over a year ago have seen us ahead on some of our targets and working towards key goals that will drive real change.
“We’re pleased to have seen such brilliant steps in the right direction and we hope to continue the enthusiasm and momentum we have created so far.”
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Brand partner engagement and green leases
Trafford Centre said it continues to engage with its brand partners to help support their carbon reduction initiatives, which is part its commitment to reduce Scope 3 emissions by 50% by 2030.
Its progress report details how the centre’s units are also working to be greener and more sustainable, with 93% now holding an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of ‘C’ or better.
In addition, a new green lease has been introduced at Trafford Centre and includes a sustainable fit-out guide, while 47% of the units at the centre now have green lease clauses built into their tenancies.
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A focus on travel
The centre’s sustainable travel strategy is also heavily under way, according to the report.
It is targeting the growth of public transport use via its close bus and Metrolink tram networks, as well as improvements to the electric vehicle (EV) charging capacity available for visitors.
Footfall via its Metrolink stop is up by 15%, while plans have also been submitted which – if given the green light – the centre believes will help it achieve its goal of becoming the largest ultra rapid charging destination in Europe.
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Embedding the strategy for ESG progress
According to the Trafford Centre, to deliver real action, its priorities have to be woven into every aspect of the management and day to day running of the centre – which it said has been done.
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Launching a charitable foundation
The Trafford Centre is also set to launch its own registered charitable foundation, with focus areas including education and skills, the environment, equality, diversity and inclusion, and deprivation. The foundation will be funded through a combination of Trafford Centre income, fundraising, donations and collecting of coins from the fountains.
“We know there is always more to be done, and we will continue with hard work and patience to keep making the practical changes including improving our biodiversity, continuing to reduce waste and to supporting the local community to keep building a positive legacy and future,” explained Layton.
“The figures are a positive start, and we will continue our actions such as introducing solar power, more EV charging, bringing on board more tenants with our green lease scheme and working hard to reduce our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.”
Read the For Our Future report
[image credit: Trafford Centre]
