The Trafford Centre reveals green ambitions
The Trafford Centre has declared its aim to become the greenest shopping and leisure centre in the UK. The pledge came as bosses at the 230-store centre revealed how they are tackling energy, water and recycling issues head-on with a raft of new schemes.
Gordon McKinnon, director of operations, said: “We are committed to cutting our carbon footprint in every area of our business. Over the last 18 months or so, we have been working hard at introducing a whole range of initiatives. From significant investment in installing new, greener lighting systems, right through to small changes like reducing the operating hours of our escalators, we are trying to make a difference. “Our award-winning environmental team have just announced record levels of recycling here – with a quarter of all waste now being usefully recycled, instead of going to landfill. “But that is just the start. Last year we recycled the equivalent of 6 jumbo jets worth of waste - and next year we will see that figure double. “By the end of 2010 we will have cut our energy consumption by 10% through a wide range of energy-saving measures, and increased our recycling so that 50% of our waste is recycled rather than going to landfill. And we will then go on even further over the next two years.” New machinery has arrived on site which filters the coins from the fountains, meaning less water is wasted in emptying the fountains to sort the charity cash. Ingenious new gadgets have been installed in the water displays which cut the electricity used during high winds. And even the Centre’s gardeners are showing their green fingers, becoming completely self-sufficient in compost thanks to a new organic recycling system on site. Waterless urinals have been installed in some of the lavatories to test public reaction, with a view to making that a Centre-wide scheme. Recycling bins have appeared in public areas, so that the thousands of people who dine in The Orient can join the recycling chain. And all taps across the Centre now run for only half the time they used to – which means thousands of litres of fresh water no longer going down the drain. “All these are little changes which are adding up to a big revolution in the way we operate,” says McKinnon. Like other large public buildings, The Trafford Centre is trying to lessen its impact on the world. But there are financial reasons for the move too. “Not only is a greener operation of benefit to the environment we depend upon, but it makes good business sense too,” says McKinnon. “There are significant cost savings to be made, and greater efficiencies to be achieved. That’s not to mention the positive relationships fostered by listening and responding to our customers’ concerns in this area. “Greener means leaner – and in the current economic climate that makes sound business sense,” he added. And the message is going out to retailers, shoppers and staff, urging them to get them involved in the momentous scheme. A new community website has been launched (5th June) to show green projects, a new recycling magazine for retailers has launched, and even youngsters can get in on the act with a Trafford Centre competition to design an outdoor classroom in the protected woodland on site at The Trafford Centre. The ambitious goal to be the greenest UK shopping centre was revealed as The Trafford Centre geared up for what is expected to be their best attended World Environment Day ever (Friday 5th June). WED events taking place at the Centre on 5th June include: • Thousands of forget-me-not seeds sent out to children to remind them of World Environment Day • An exhibition of Toyota's new energy range of cars (15th June) including The Next Prius – one of the first times this stunning vehicle has displayed in the UK • A display from lighting specialists OSRAM on their energy-saving light bulbs • An eco-display on the Bandstand in The Orient showing how much greener the Centre has become • Adverts for World Environment Day on the Orient's Big Screen, and on plasmas around the Centre • An exclusive WED performance from Save The World Girl on the Main Stage NOTES TO EDITORS: The Trafford Centre can provide on-camera and copy interviews, images and case studies. Please enquire with the Press Office.
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