A fashionable shopping destination, metamorphosed into a sustainable exemplar following extensive renovation
Project Details
- Scheme & Version: In-Use xxx Parts: 1 & 2
- Location: Lille, France
- Size: 66,700 m² (GLA)
- Certificate Number: BIU00003082-1.0
- Asset Performance: 76.1% Excellent
- Building Management: 77.8% Excellent
The above information is for the original certification of this project, please reference GreenBookLive for current details
Project Team
- Client: Unibail-Rodamco (owner and manager)
- BREEAM Assessor: Bopro
About the Asset
Euralille is one of the largest shopping centres in Lille at 66,700 m² GLA. Unibail-Rodamco acquired the asset in 1994 and built an extension in 2010. The shopping centre has over 100 retail units to which annually approximately 12 million visitors come to shop on an annual basis.
Unibail-Rodamco set its global sustainability policy in 2008, with one of the main targets to obtain a BREEAM In-Use certification for at least 80% of the managed retail portfolio (in number)
Why did this building undergo BREEAM In-Use Certification?
BREEAM helps achieve the environmental objectives because it gives a clear and objective canvas that Unibail-Rodamco translated in its sustainable management policies and procedures. BREEAM In-Use is not seen as an additional cost or bureaucratic constraint, it is part of the Group’s culture and management to improve the performance of their standings assets on a daily basis.
The BREEAM approach allows Unibail-Rodamco to integrate and stimulate the tenants and maintenance suppliers to be sure that each technical device (lighting, ventilation, heating and cooling etc.) in the building will be properly maintained and operated 365 days per year.
“By doing a BREEAM In-Use assessment we got to know our building better. The building has no secrets any more. We know its good performance as well as the features that can be improved over time. It is possible to determine a relevant and detailed action plan, with a specific budget and timing, in order to improve the building’s performance step by step and with a long term vision.”
Unibail-Rodamco commits to certify its retail centres with BREEAM In-Use to provide an indication of the state of the asset, also linking to the appropriate management of the asset and partnerships with the tenants.
By setting the bar high with a minimum ‘Excellent’ for buildings and ‘Outstanding’ for building management, Unibail ensure that there is a holistic approach behind the BREEAM certificates in each of its managed assets. Unibail-Rodamco always chooses to implement Part 1 and Part 2 together, for a building in-use the qualities of the asset are as important as the sustainable management of the building.
Within the Unibail-Rodamco portfolio, there is a strong baseline to start for Euralille for building management. The general procedures are however further specified for this site, safeguarding the long-term performance of all facilities on site and with a clear strategy for continuous improvement.
Euralille was metamorphosed in 2015 after a renovation that lasted 14 months. The new Euralille aims to enhance the attractiveness of the centre: new interior design, better customer experience, latest concepts of shops, establishment of the 4-stars label… the new Euralille is not only a trendy and urban place for shopping, but also a leisure destination for the whole family.
Green Strategy and Environmental Features
The new CSR strategy of Unibail-Rodamco launched in September 2016 is named “Better Places 2030” and aims to reduce overall carbon emissions by 50% by 2030, becoming the first listed real estate company to engage in such an ambitious and global strategy.
In 2016, Unibail-Rodamco was also selected as a “Green Star” for the sixth year in a row by the GRESB Survey (Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark – the only sustainability benchmark dedicated to the real estate sector). In 2015, the Group had been named “Global sector leader”, achieving the best score worldwide within the retail sector.
The signature of the Paris Agreement to fight climate change, on December 12 by 195 countries in the framework of COP21, brought the world into a new era. Christophe Cuvillier, Chairman of the Management Board of Unibail-Rodamco, decided that the group would take up a new long-term challenge, with a set of objectives to be achieved by 2030: “Better Places 2030”. The Group aims to reduce its carbon emissions by 50% by 2030.
This strategy will be incorporated into the entire value chain with, for the first time, a wide spectrum of initiatives covering the emissions resulting from the activities of the group and its stakeholders. In doing so, it becomes the first listed real estate company to address the very wide scope of indirect emissions resulting from construction works, consumption of energy by tenants and transport used by all users of its sites (employees and visitors). This global approach revolves around 4 pillars on the theme “less is better”:
Less carbon emissions, better buildings
Less polluting transport, better connectivity
Less local unemployment, better communities
Less top-down, better collective power
The building is located on an intense traffic intersection, situated between the train station of Lille-Flandres and Lille-Europe, and next to metro, tram and bus stations. The building is also easily accessible by car and has high standard parking places for cars and alternative transport modes such as bicycles, bicycle sharing stations and dedicated places for electrical vehicles.
Euralille improved its energy intensity and achieved a significant reduction of 38.30% between 2012 and 2016 (in kWh/visit) due to a proactive management and a set of specific initiatives as required by the group’s specific EMS called ‘Sustainable Management Attitude’ designed for the standing portfolio.
In 2016, 1358 tonnes of waste were collected, 92.32% of the waste managed was valued (27.28% recycled and 65.04% valued via incineration with energy recovery). Waste from tenants and visitors is thoroughly sorted in order to obtain the highest possible value in recuperation of these materials.
From 2012 until 2016 the water consumption decreased dramatically with a 7.4% reduction. This reduction was obtained by the renovation of the restrooms, where high standard water saving equipment was installed.
The social value of the building is very high, Euralille is 4 stars labelled shopping centre. Unique in Europe and inspired by the hotel trade, the 4 star label is awarded by SGS, the world certification leader. It took three months of preparation and daily attention for our teams to meet the standards required to qualify for this label. During a 2-day assessment, SGS audits no less than 684 quality criteria and makes sure we stick to our commitments with a surprise inspection once a year. This label is an additional Unibail-Rodamco policy for the building management to make sure that quality in service, comfort while visiting and a unique experience can be guaranteed over time.