Big improvements for Vicinity’s environment ratings

A national rating used to measure environmental sustainability has reported significant improvements across Vicinity Centres’ portfolio as it continues to strive to meet its net zero emissions commitment by 2030¹.

The National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) is used to measure a building’s energy efficiency, carbon emissions along with water usage, waste and indoor environment quality. NABERS publishes the Sustainable Profiles Index (SPI) every year.

The 2021 SPI released today, found that more than one-in-three of Vicinity’s centres now has a five star or above energy rating which sits in the ‘excellent’ category.  

Vicinity’s Head of Sustainability, Meredith Banks, said “Our Integrated Energy Strategy, which focuses on enhanced energy management including real-time energy reporting, automation and demand management, and energy efficiency including LED and HVAC upgrades, has significantly contributed to reduced energy use."

In 2021, five Vicinity centres achieved a NABERS Energy 6 Star rating, eight centres achieved a 5.5 Star rating, and a further eight achieved a 5 Star rating. Vicinity received its first 6 Star NABERS Water rating at DFO Essendon, while another seven centres achieved a 5.5 Star rating, and six centres achieved a 5 Star NABERS Water rating.

Since 2018, Vicinity has been installing Australia's largest shopping centre solar energy program to help power centres with clean, renewable energy. The $73 million program has fitted over 80,000 solar panels, generating almost 40,000 MWh each year. The program used battery storage and a world-first clear glass solar, allowing us to use renewable energy more efficiently.

The full report can be found here.

1. For our wholly-owned retail assets. Consistent with GHG Protocol, this applies to common mall areas.