Real estate developer, the RO, is the latest firm to commit to the CUBE Competition, the UK wide competition set to deliver energy savings in commercial buildings when it launches in March of this year.
RO’s participation in the competition supports their vision to create healthier workplaces and reflects a wider commitment to sustainable energy use, as demonstrated by the company’s history in ground-mounted solar energy developments, including its recent planning consent for a 5MW solar park on part of its 140-acre site west of Milton Keynes.
Entering as a landlord, the group has committed two buildings to the competition, One Dorset Street in Southampton and GNR8 Clarendon Road in Watford.
One Dorset Street is the first Fitwel certified office building in Hampshire, and currently accommodates two tenants with space available to let across a total floor area of 26,134 sq ft. Fitwel is a leading certification system that optimises buildings to support health and wellbeing through evidence-based design and operational strategies.
GNR8 Clarendon Road in Watford is a 22,221 sq ft office building that has recently undergone major refurbishment to create a healthier and more productive work environment for its occupants, including a remodelled reception with an informal communal space for meeting, working and collaboration. GNR8 also boasts a Fitwel 3-star rating.
Edward Rowlandson, Group Managing Director, the RO, commented:
“CUBE provides a unique opportunity for us to collaborate with our tenants as we continue our journey to a more sustainable future. As a landlord, engagement with our tenants is paramount, and improving energy efficiency across our buildings is a key priority for us. This benefits both the environment, as well as supporting our tenants from a cost point of view by reducing expenses.
“CUBE is a first for the real estate sector and the competition comes at an important time. We are delighted to join the other named participants and look forward to working with all our stakeholders to make our buildings healthier and more sustainable places to work.”
Kristin Marin, who runs the competition in the UK, added:
“Entering the competition means the RO will experience the full benefit of implementing a sustainability agenda at a grassroots level. They are committed to reducing energy usage across their portfolio and have a long-standing history of investing in and encouraging sustainable practices in the design and development of their buildings. We’re proud to have them on board and can’t wait to be a part of their journey.”
