Property consultants Knight Frank, who have offices in Leeds and Sheffield, has committed to purchasing only 100% renewable electricity for all the properties it manages.
Knight Frank has entered into a contract with Total Gas and Power to purchase only 100% renewable power for its properties under management through until 2021. Over the term of the contract, Knight Frank’s buildings will use over 360,000,000 KWH (or 360 GWH) of power at a cost of over £75m.
Knight Frank’s commitment to providing 100% renewable power will lead to a reduction of over 100,000 tonnes CO2e by 2021, the equivalent to taking nearly 17,000 cars off the road over the course of the contract.
The move further strengthens the firm’s green credentials following its recent pledge to go plastic free.
Sarah Hodgson Partner in the Leeds office said: “Alongside our initiatives to drive energy and resource efficiency in the properties that we manage, buying our power from renewable sources is a very worthwhile commitment to responsible property asset management.
“This procurement is wholly supported by our clients and occupiers and will help us greatly reduce the substantial carbon emissions associated with the UK commercial property sector each year.”
Schemes already benefitting in Leeds include Minerva House, Holiday House, The King & Co Portfolio, Airedale House owned by GM Legato and Capitol Park Leeds.
The Leeds office of Knight Frank manages leading Yorkshire developer Sterling Capitol’s portfolio of business parks in the region.
Paul Beckett, head of development at leading northern developers Sterling Capitol, commented: “This is an excellent initiative by Knight Frank. Sterling Capitol are committed to creating sustainable developments for the future and this step is another way in which we achieve our green credentials.
“By working closely with Knight Frank, we are proud to be providing renewable energy for all our tenants. It is vital that we don’t just talk about the importance of sustainability, but that we act. This responsible approach is the way forward,” he said.
