Sustainable Shopping Center 

In an era where sustainability has become a critical consideration for businesses worldwide, shopping centers are no exception. Embracing sustainable practices not only helps protect the environment but also enhances brand reputation, attracts environmentally conscious consumers, and promotes long-term profitability. We have explored the concept of sustainable shopping centers, highlighting the significance of key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics in measuring and achieving success in this domain. Furthermore, it presents a few examples of success stories where shopping centers have successfully implemented sustainable practices and reaped the rewards.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Sustainable Shopping Centers:

  1. Energy Efficiency: This KPI measures the overall energy consumption of the shopping center and aims to reduce it through efficient lighting, HVAC systems, and renewable energy sources.
  2. Water Management: Efficient water use and management are crucial for sustainable shopping centers. KPIs in this area include monitoring water consumption, implementing water-saving fixtures, and utilizing water recycling systems.
  3. Waste Management: Effective waste management involves reducing, recycling, and properly disposing of waste generated within the shopping center. KPIs may include waste diversion rates, waste-to-energy initiatives, and the adoption of sustainable packaging practices.
  4. Indoor Air Quality: This KPI focuses on maintaining high air quality within the shopping center through proper ventilation, air purification systems, and the use of low-VOC materials, contributing to the health and well-being of shoppers and employees.
  5. Sustainable Transportation: Encouraging sustainable transportation options, such as bike lanes, electric vehicle charging stations, and public transit accessibility, can help reduce the carbon footprint associated with commuting to and from the shopping center.


Metrics for Measuring Success:

  1. Carbon Footprint: Calculating and reducing the carbon emissions generated by the shopping center helps gauge its environmental impact.
  2. Energy Consumption: Monitoring the total energy consumed by the shopping center, as well as tracking reductions over time, provides insights into energy efficiency efforts.
  3. Water Consumption: Tracking the amount of water consumed and comparing it against set targets helps evaluate water management strategies and identify areas for improvement.
  4. Waste Diversion Rate: Measuring the percentage of waste diverted from landfills through recycling and composting initiatives indicates the effectiveness of waste management practices.
  5. Tenant Engagement: Assessing tenant participation in sustainability programs, such as waste reduction or energy-saving campaigns, demonstrates the level of commitment to sustainability throughout the shopping center.


Success Stories in Sustainable Shopping Centers:

  1. Bullring & Grand Central - Birmingham, UK: The Bullring shopping center implemented sustainable practices such as a combined heat and power plant, LED lighting, and rainwater harvesting. These efforts led to a 35% reduction in carbon emissions and a 30% reduction in water consumption, enhancing its reputation as an environmentally friendly shopping destination.
  2. The Park - Warsaw, Poland: The Park shopping center became the first commercial building in Poland to receive LEED Platinum certification. It implemented sustainable features like efficient insulation, photovoltaic panels, and rainwater harvesting, resulting in significant energy and water savings.
  3. The Siam Center - Bangkok, Thailand: This shopping center focuses on sustainable fashion and hosts eco-friendly brands. It incorporates energy-efficient lighting, sustainable materials, and promotes ethical manufacturing practices, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable fashion choices.
  4. Eco Mall, Sweden: Eco Mall, located in Malmö, Sweden, is a sustainable shopping center that focuses on energy efficiency and renewable energy. The mall features green roofs, solar panels, and energy-efficient lighting systems. It also emphasizes waste reduction and recycling, providing shoppers with easy access to recycling facilities. Eco Mall has successfully attracted environmentally conscious businesses and consumers, promoting sustainable practices within the shopping center. 


Conclusion:
Sustainable shopping centers have the potential to significantly reduce their environmental impact while attracting eco-conscious consumers. By implementing KPIs and tracking relevant metrics, shopping centers can measure and drive their sustainability efforts effectively. The success stories mentioned above demonstrate the positive outcomes achieved by shopping centers that have embraced sustainability, setting a precedent for others to follow suit. By adopting sustainable practices and measuring progress through KPIs and metrics, shopping centers can create a brighter, greener future for both their businesses and the planet.


Guideline

SDGs & Sustainable Shopping Center 

A sustainable shopping center can contribute to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their sub-targets. Here are some SDGs and sub-targets that can be relevant to a sustainable shopping center:

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  • Sub-target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality, waste management, and the efficient use of resources.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  • Sub-target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
  • Sub-target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
  • Sub-target 12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.

SDG 13: Climate Action

  • Sub-target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.

SDG 15: Life on Land

  • Sub-target 15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests, and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally.
  • Sub-target 15.9: By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies, and accounts.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  • Sub-target 17.16: Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources.

 

These are just a few examples of how a sustainable shopping center can contribute to the SDGs and their sub-targets. The specific contributions may vary depending on the practices and initiatives implemented by the shopping center, such as energy-efficient design, waste management strategies, promoting sustainable products, educating consumers, and fostering partnerships with various stakeholders.