Derbion rated one of the most sustainable retail destinations in the UK

The Derbion shopping centre has been recognised for its commitment to sustainability through carbon reduction, health and wellbeing, transport and broader environmental initiatives.

The centre has become one of a select few UK retail destinations to achieve a BREEAM In-Use Outstanding rating.

BREEAM In-Use is the internationally recognised green building certification for operational property and is widely adopted across the real estate sector.

The assessment is divided into two parts, which can be assessed separately or combined to achieve a rating and certificate.

Part 1 assesses the performance of the asset’s built form, construction, fixtures and installed services.

Part 2 concentrates on the management of the asset, including consumption, policies and targets.

Working alongside Savills and specialist sustainability consultants Mearlag, the retail destination has secured an Outstanding certification for Part 2 (Management Performance) and an Excellent rating for Part 1 (Asset Performance).

Derbion secured its highest scores in management, health and wellbeing, energy, resources and water use.

Recent investments in sustainability have led to a 30% reduction in energy use over the past two years, saving 1.4 million kilowatts annually.

Alongside the reductions, Derbion has invested in management, health and wellbeing and community initiatives.

Initiatives include Derbion Cares, which supports local charities through year-round fundraising events, and a Donation Station with Derby Food4Thought Alliance.

The BREEAM In-Use certification also highlights efforts to improve employee welfare, and 125 hours of staff volunteering for community groups and charities.

Beth McDonald, managing director at Derbion, said: “We are so pleased to become one of the few UK shopping centres to have BREEAM In-Use Outstanding and Excellent certifications.

“The awards highlight all the hard work our team have undertaken over the past two years as we strive to become Net Zero by 2030.

“The BREEAM In-Use Certifications are one of the first steps on that journey, and we look forward to working closely with our partners at Savills and Mearlag to identify new ways to make Derbion one of the most sustainability-friendly shopping centres in the UK, which not only helps our own ESG targets, but also those of our occupiers and the wider Derby community.”