Environmental sustainability

To support our clients in improving their own environmental performance we have set up an Environmental Sustainability Group (ESG). This is chaired by Richard Batten, Joint Senior Partner and includes leaders from each of the business groups across King Sturge.

King Sturge recognises that because of the pervasive, all encompassing nature of sustainable development and its implications for the built environment, there is virtually no activity that our clients undertake when sustainability is not of some potential relevance.

We have recognised this for some time having always been aware of our responsibilities, both to clients and to the environment, and have always sought to offer clients advice which enables them to meet their own environmental commitments.

Recently, we have noticed how changes to regulatory regimes and the nature of the property sector have begun to require a more joined-up approach to decision-making and appropriate advice. In recognising this, we have formed the ESG to anticipate our clients developing needs, as well as ensuring their existing requirements are met in a coordinated fashion.

King Sturge is a supporter of the IPD Environment Code launched in February 2008, and views the development of an industry benchmarking system as a key component in the measurement and accountability of sustainability issues in commercial property.

Third Party Appointments held by members of the ESG include:-

  • UK Green Building Council
  • BPF – Environmental Sustainability Committee
  • All Party Parliamentary Climate Change Group
  • Project Steering Group (as RICS rep) for Revision of BRE Green Guide to Specification

The objectives of the Environmental Sustainability Group are:

  • To be a centre of excellence at King Sturge for environmental sustainability for clients, third parties and internal colleagues
  • To develop innovative solutions to existing and future challenges
  • To proactively anticipate changing market trends and to promote awareness with clients
  • To proactively engage with clients to understand their concerns and assist them to develop robust solutions tailored to their specific needs

Examples of client work:

  • The ESG members are working with major fund clients to advise on implementation of initiatives on a portfolio-wide basis, particularly advising in the fields of asset management and building consultancy. Our planning team is engaging with developer clients and our occupational agency members are advising on the implications of environmental standards such as BREEAM
  • The group is currently developing, with a view to providing services across our European network
  • Our research team is at the cutting edge of research in this field and is seen as the market leader. Our most recent publication, European Property Sustainability Matters is our third annual report on how sustainability affects property investors, occupiers and developers. The team is currently involved in advising organisations such as the Investment Property Forum, the Urban Land Institute and the RICS on sustainability policy and practice.

For further information please see our Environmental Policy page.