Amid the most challenging world economic times for 60 years, shopping centres have the potential to significantly contribute to the drive for environmental and economic sustainability, according to Jeremy Rifkin, founder and president of US-based think tank The Foundation of Economic Trends. During a keynote address at the ICSC European Conference in Barcelona, the senior economist urged ICSC members to harness their shopping centres, roofs, car parks and heat exchange potential to become energy creators instead of energy consumers.
Amid the most challenging world economic times for 60 years, shopping centres have the potential to significantly contribute to the drive for environmental and economic sustainability, according to Jeremy Rifkin, founder and president of US-based think tank The Foundation of Economic Trends. During a keynote address at the ICSC European Conference in Barcelona, the senior economist urged ICSC members to harness their shopping centres, roofs, car parks and heat exchange potential to become energy creators instead of energy consumers.
The world is currently facing three crises, said Rifkin. 'Climate change, recession and an energy crisis. Despite our different dreams and cultures, America and the European Union must work together for the good of the world,' he said. 'Commerce is not a primary institution; it is an extension of culture, not the other way around.'
Shopping centres can play a vital role in helping to solve the energy crisis, Rifkin said: 'Rather than energy consumers, they have the potential through innovation to become power plants in their own right, feeding national power grids from a surplus of energy generated on site from green sources.'
Rifkin is urging world and industry leaders to achieve 202020: a 20% increase in energy efficiency, 20% reduction of global warming gas emissions and the generation of 20% of its energy needs through renewables, by the year 2020. The European Union has already set this goal for its member states.
On behalf of the retail property CEOs, ICSC European Advisory Board Chair Jaap Gillis said he welcomed the venture.
