Redevco commits to green standards

Dutch investor and developer Redevco has announced an ambitious programme of green retail projects across Europe as part of its commitment to improving the energy efficiency of its operations and to accelerate green design. The company is currently preparing 11 green development projects in Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK and it has said it will now assess development projects using BREEAM, the green building standard. The company said the move is driven by the demand for lower energy costs and its Corporate Social Responsibility strategy.

The announcement follows the Redevco,/C&A eco-store concept which aims to provide 50% energy savings compared with current systems by focusing on state-of-the-art building technology. The first C&A eco-store in Mainz, Germany, is due to open in the second half of 2008. The UK BREEAM retail standard will be adapted to the German situation for this purpose.

Redevco Turkey plans to certify new developments in Ankara, Edirne, Erzurum and Manisa using the BREEAM standard, which will also be adapted to the Turkish situation.

Redevco France has two energy-saving projects: an eco-community including shops and housing in the heart of Bordeaux's historic centre, and a massive solar energy production unit in Pontault-Combault. Redevco France also plans to build France's most powerful solar power station embedded in the roof of its forthcoming Les Quatre Chênes retail park in Pontault-Combault (43,000 m2).

Redevco Belgium is to install photovoltaic panels on the roofs of its development project in Wilrijk. It also plans to install photovoltaic trackers at the car park, which will automatically follow the path of the sun throughout the day. The finished complex will open at the beginning of 2008.

In the Netherlands, Redevco is to develop the prestigious Ravel project on Amsterdam's Zuidas and the post office building in Rotterdam according to green standards. The Ravel programme will include at least 15,000 m² of retail space and focus on the top segment of the international retail market.

Commenting on the assessment, Jaap Gillis, Chief Operating Officer of Redevco Europe, said, 'It is all very well for a company to say it is going green, but empty promises mean nothing. To demonstrate that our commitment is not an act of commercial lip service, we want our new development projects to be assessed by an independent third party using an internationally recognised standard.'