Unite retains GRESB ‘Green Star’ – 09 September 2015

Unite Students has kept its coveted “Green Star” status in the international Global Real Estate Benchmark (GRESB) survey, ranking it amongst the most sustainable companies in the property sector.

The Green Star is awarded to real estate companies which measure, implement, manage and develop sustainability as an integral part of their business.

Unite Students is the UK’s largest and most experienced developer and manager of student accommodation. It has a business purpose of providing a ‘Home for Success’.

Unite Students’ score increased by 12 percentage points to 66 (compared with last year’s score of 54). This puts Unite 11 points above the global average and in the top quartile all entries.

Highlights include

·        A 20 per cent reduction in gas use and 6.7per cent reduction in electricity use across the portfolio in 2014.

·        The launch of the ‘Up to uS’ sustainability engagement campaign to encourage students to use less energy and adopt wider sustainable living habits. This programme incorporates the National Union of Students Green Impact scheme.

·        Development and deployment of optimised heating controls, balancing customer comfort and energy efficiency.

The GRESB Report and Survey Results for 2015 are based on sustainability data gathered from 707 property companies and funds, providing aggregate information on 61,000 properties around the globe.

Unite Students managing director of operations Richard Smith said: “Winning Green Star recognition last year was a big moment for Unite.

“To retain it in 2015 – with a significantly improved score – reflects just how seriously Unite continues to take its role as sector leader in the field of sustainability.”

Details of the GRESB awards and more on the results can be found at https://www.gresb.com/results2015/introduction