Green Charter for Marshall's Yard

25 August 2008

Dransfield's award winning development Marshall’s Yard has met the criteria for the British Council of Shopping Centre’s Sustainability Charter – addressing the four key issues of energy, waste, community and water.

The Charter launched by BCSC has been set up to outline the core commitment that all retail property owners should be making to the environment in running shopping centres and stores in its bid to strive for a greener high street.

In each core category BCSC has set overall actions and aims – and Gainsborough’s Marshall’s Yard met the tough criteria in all four areas.

The charter outlines targets in energy and water usage as well as waste management. It also looks for a clear community commitment and evidence of partnerships and working with local groups and organisations.

David Hale, Developer Surveyor for Dransfield Properties Ltd, said: “We are very pleased to be working towards greener shopping centres and working with the guidelines set down by the BCSC in their sustainability charter.

It is important to have industry guidelines such as these for us all to work towards which everyone in the industry has a responsibility to do. However we can’t be complacent, this is something we need to be constantly reviewing and improving.”

The overall aims of the Charter include making efficient use of energy consumed, minimising waste going to landfill site, maximising waste segregation, recycling and supporting the local community.

Key highlights from the Charter case study on Marshall’s Yard:

Water from the 81 jet fountain at Marshall’s Yard is recirculated after being treated and purified. Water saving devices are fitted into the toilets in the office buildings.

There is an on-site recycling facility at Marshall’s Yard making recycling more efficient. The saving is passed on to the retailers through service charge reductions.

Marshall's Yard works closely with the local community supporting local initiatives. The company sponsors Gainsborough Trinity Football Club as well as the youth team Marshall’s Sport FC. Local groups and charities are invited to perform or fundraise at the centre. Marshall’s Yard is a member of Shopwatch and the Town Centre Partnership.

The newest building at Marshall’s Yard – the West Lindsey District Council Guildhall - has been fitted with solar panels and intuitive lighting systems with additional energy and water saving systems designed in.

To view further details about the BCSC Charter visit the website at http://www.bcsc.org.uk/research/sustainability/index.asp

Marshall’s Yard was last year awarded the prestigious BCSC Gold Award for in town retail schemes of 300,000 sq ft or less for Marshall’s Yard.

For further information, contact:

Public Relations Department, Dransfield Properties Ltd
Tel: 01226 360644
Email: pr@dransfield.co.uk