Measuring up

We’re being upfront about our energy efficiency

The only way to improve the environmental performance of a building is to make sure you measure it properly in the first place. Display Energy Certificates (DECs) were introduced by the Department of Communities and Local Government to do exactly that. They provide a clear, regularly updated assessment of a building's energy efficiency, taking into account factors such as gas, electricity and oil usage.

The way we see it, the key word in Display Energy Certificates is the first one: Display. There's not much to be gained by monitoring energy performance if you file the results in the bottom drawer and do nothing about it. At present, only public sector buildings are obliged to produce a certificate and put it on display. We wanted to go further than that. In 2009, we were the first company to commit to displaying DECs in the receptions of all the buildings we manage.

When it comes to our newer buildings, we're continually exploring sustainable ways of working, from geothermal heating to green roofs and photovoltaic power. We've also pioneered effective methods of retrofitting old buildings, such as Dashwood, which we rebuilt from the inside out, resulting in an 'Excellent' BREEAM rating for what was once one of our worst performers.

For all of these positive achievements, we understand there is a lot of room for improvement. The Department of Communities and Local Government is itself based in one of least energy-efficient properties at Eland House. We're now working in partnership on a radical plan to upgrade the building and improve its rating.

Since we made our commitment to display DECs in public, there has been talk of a green paper to make it mandatory across the board. We hope that becomes a reality. Even small improvements can make a big difference – and transparency is a great motivator.

"By displaying these DECs voluntarily, we are showing recognition that we have room to improve, and a willingness to work with our occupiers to do this." Neil Pennell, Environmental Director