Sustainability isn’t just an ‘extra’ anymore. It’s a crucial part of every retailer’s ESG strategy, and with many companies aiming to achieve net zero ahead of the government deadline, the need to work with organisations who don’t just match your vision, but who can proactively help you realise it has never mattered more.

Here at Morris & Spottiswood we have a road map in place for our own net zero journey, with carbon reduction strategies in place to support this, but we also aim to support and advise our clients on their own carbon reduction journey.

From our experience of delivering more than 10,000 retail refurbishment projects, we fully understand the issues which can be encountered in trying to balance energy efficiency and sustainable outputs whilst achieving value for money. We have the expertise and experience to incorporate solutions, that meet both your commercial needs and your sustainability goals, into each and every retail project we deliver.

We’re already delivering great results – as well as progressing our own net zero journey – and have an enviable track record when it comes to combining an innovative sustainable approach with practical commercially focused solutions that work in the real world.

Reusing buildings does have several economic benefits, such as no demolition costs, a quicker programme, and less time through planning. Environmental benefits include extending the buildings life and reducing its embodied carbon and, while there may currently be limitations on what can be done from a sustainability perspective, in terms of unit fitouts and operational carbon, technology is rapidly evolving to create more efficient and more recyclable materials.

With us, no detail is overlooked. For example, when we’re partitioning off workspaces in a live retail environment with plastic hoardings, we use fully recycled panels, reducing waste and reducing our single-use plastic usage. It not only serves to keep your customers safe, but it helps you reduce the environmental impact of the project.

But it’s not just the little things. From supporting your energy saving strategies by replacing boilers with the most efficient solution, installing and optimising BMS controls and supporting you with any EV considerations, to partnering you on your journey to net zero, we can help make your sustainable goals a practical reality.

We are aware of the impact sustainability is having on logistics. In a bid to reduce corporate transport emissions more and more companies are making the transition to all-electric vehicles. Ensuring the right approach is in place to support such a step-change in operations is more important than ever. Whether you need to consider the management of deliveries in low-emissions zones, or ensure the correct infrastructure is in place for EV charging points, our expert team can work with you on the best solution for your project.

It all adds up. In the last 5 years we have delivered over 250 LED lighting replacement projects, we’ve installed over 150 energy efficient boilers and over 100 air source heat pumps to commercial properties. Across our retail projects we have cut waste by over 30% via lean procurement, reduced packaging and reuse of materials on projects.

The most convenient times to address issues of operational carbon will usually be at lease end, plant replacement cycles, or other planned refurbishment works. However, the key consideration is identifying the optimal time to make these interventions by balancing cost, access, technology advances, and the decarbonisation targets with the excess emissions released in the interim period. It is also essential that we consider Whole Life Carbon as part of any viability assessment.

We know that whilst many retailers have already planned their journey to net zero, some are still finding their way. Whatever stage of your journey you’re at, we can work with you to keep things on track. For those with plans in place we can work in partnership to ensure that goals are met, and we meet – or exceed – your carbon reduction targets and sustainability goals. For those who are unsure of the way forward, we can not only build sustainability and energy efficiency into every aspect of the project, but we can also work with you to create your own road map. We can even help you identify and apply for funding (or part-funding) to decarbonise your retail estate and energy infrastructure to realise your net zero goals.

Encouragingly, we see many responsible landlords improving their sites, shared areas, and demise under their control by investing heavily in sustainable measures. Electric Vehicle charging points, LED lights, and removing carbon based fuels such as natural gas are becoming standard for many. As a sector, retail landlords and retailers are already heading in the right direction. Common parts of retail parks and shopping centres are greener than ever, but there’s still a long way to go.

Sustainability matters to your customers as much as it matters to you, and in the same way you’re working hard to offer them choice – whether that’s reduced packaging or using sustainable fabrics – we’re doing the same for our clients. That’s why whatever type of retail project you have in mind – from refurbishing a high street store to building a new supermarket – you can trust us to build sustainable thinking into every aspect both during the build and beyond.