A commitment to sustainability across generations
As a family office, we at AM ALPHA have always thought and acted across generations. For us, sustainability is the core of our business philosophy. Sustainable entrepreneurship is integral to our corporate strategy and shapes our commitment to Environmental Social Governance (ESG) in our global real estate investments. By continuously developing our properties according to our "Manage to Green" principle, we create sustainable value for all stakeholders and attractive returns for our investment partners.
Environmental: REuse. REduce. REnew.
We implement different strategies to reduce the environmental footprint of our properties as much as possible. First and foremost, we rely on re-use strategies favouring refurbishment over demolition and new construction, thereby minimising embodied carbon. One example is our "Rylands" revitalisation in Manchester's city centre. We are giving the listed former Debenhams building a new future by maximising the use of existing materials. The domes at the top of each Rylands tower or the famous Rylands clock are just some of the many original features that will be carefully preserved and restored as part of our refurbishment of this historic building. Once our work is complete, the building will meet the net zero emissions standard. The plan is to have the modernised building certified for sustainable construction - to BREEAM "Excellent" or NABERS "5 Star".
In addition to our re-use strategy, we focus on reducing our properties' energy consumption using state-of-the-art technologies ("REduce"). In particular, using motion detectors, improved insulation and LED lighting increases energy efficiency and achieves CO2 savings. In our "Coleman Street" project in London, the modernisation of the lighting to LED standard led to a reduction in CO2 emissions of around 17%.
Our "112 Robinson" project in Singapore was awarded the Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy certificate on completion of our modernisation work, which recognises the best Green Mark buildings that achieve energy savings of at least 60%. Since 2018, only around 50 buildings in Singapore have received this certification. We achieved this primarily by installing an energy-efficient cooling and LED lighting system.
To drive the decarbonisation of the buildings, AM ALPHA is also focusing on the use of renewable energy (REnew) - whether through the use of green electricity, heat pumps or photovoltaic systems. With our partner Greenvolt Comunidades, we have initiated a project for our "BPlanet" retail centre in the south of Lisbon that will usher in a new era of clean energy generation for BPlanet and its 73 shops. More than 2,000 photovoltaic solar panels will generate over 1,786 MWh of clean energy annually, reducing BPlanet's dependence on the traditional power grid by an impressive 51%. This will reduce our ecological footprint by 490 tonnes of CO2 per year.
We are also committed to biodiversity. For example, the roof areas of our building at “76 Sir John Rogerson's Quay” in Dublin are planted with sedum. Green roofs increase biodiversity, store rainwater, provide clean air and minimise the use of air conditioning to cool the building. In addition, green roofs reduce the overheating of city centres and thus reduce the so-called "heat island effect".
200 Broomielaw: A flagship project in Glasgow Case Study:
Intelligent design, high-quality execution, innovative technology and full electrification have made 200 Broomielaw one of Glasgow's most energy-efficient building.
The spectacular property, built in 2004 in a prime city centre location right on the harbour, has undergone an extensive refurbishment to transform the 80,000 square metre property into one of Glasgow's most energy-efficient buildings. Certified with the highest energy efficiency rating - the EPC A rating.
Sustainable, efficient & autonomous
100% renewable energy sources power the electrical system in 200 Broomielaw. Gas is no longer used as a resource in the building. At the same time, efficient technologies are used in the building, such as underfloor heating in the reception area, which distributes heat much more evenly than conventional radiators. In addition, each floor has its monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system and can control its consumption independently of all other floors.
Good connections & end-of-trip facilities
200 Broomielaw is easily accessible via Glasgow's well-developed public transport network. Those who work here can minimise their personal carbon footprint by using it. The building also has extensive bicycle parking, e-bike charging stations, high-quality changing rooms and drying rooms.
E-mobility & waste management
With numerous e-car charging stations, 200 Broomielaw promotes e-mobility and helps keep CO2 emissions low. A customised waste management plan ensures that the waste produced can be recycled to the greatest extent possible. In addition, general waste is converted into EFW (Energy from Waste), and food waste is converted into gas for power refuse collection vehicles.
Fitness & Hygiene
At 200 Broomielaw, you can work out at any time of the day or year in the on-site fitness centre. The Clyde Walkway and the extensive network of cycle paths right on the doorstep also invite you to be active. In addition, the entire building is equipped with contactless technology for safety in a post-pandemic world.
Welcome desk: a top reception
Welcome to our reception! Step into our light-flooded atrium with an inviting business lounge. The use of warm, natural materials characterises the modern design. With stylish seating areas for visitors or employees, concierge service, digital check-in and secure speed lane entrance, every detail has been considered. Three lifts, each with a capacity of 10 people, ensure you can always find your way up to 200 Broomielaw quickly but never stressed.
Flexible office structures
There are practically no limits to the design options here. Impressive, modern floor plans meet efficient building technology. Nobody will break into a sweat soon, thanks to fresh air filtration and the latest air conditioning technology. And if you do – there are plenty of showers in the building. On top of that, there is a breathtaking view of the river from almost all sides – and a large terrace on the 7th floor for natural fresh air moments.
Social: Inclusion & well-being
AM ALPHA attaches great importance to the health and well-being of the people who live and work in its properties. We are committed to creating an inclusive, safe and positive environment and improving the living and working conditions in our properties.
To increase user experience, for example, our “200 Broomielaw” office building in Glasgow has been designed to offer much more than a traditional workplace. The building offers many amenities: Underground car parking, lockers, showers, changing and drying rooms, and more than 40 secure parking spaces for bicycles, including e-bike charging stations, ensure that user comfort is at a premium when it comes to end-of-trip facilities. We are also increasingly equipping our car parks in the retail parks we manage with e-charging stations. By promoting sustainable mobility solutions, we enable CO2-neutral travel for visitors.
Our aim is always to create an attractive working environment across all aspects. To achieve this, we also work with renowned architects, such as the well-known architects from Buckley Gray Yeoman. They have transformed our "21 Great Winchester Street" property, which dates back to 1905 and is located in the heart of the City of London, into a contemporary office building that now offers spacious, versatile office floors and a luxurious, inviting lobby with first-class chic and many amenities. The rental space, built to Cat B standard, also offers high-quality, customised furnishings.
At AM ALPHA, we also endeavour to design our projects to provide a positive impetus for those directly involved and those indirectly involved. Our recent collaboration with ART: DIS in Singapore is a perfect example of our commitment in this respect. At the grand opening of our building at 112 Robinson Road in Singapore, we had the honour of putting the spotlight on our guests and this inspiring organisation. As a particular highlight of the partnership, ART:DIS artists painted some of the walls in our newly opened building, enhancing our space with unique art. Each guest also received a special gift created by a talented child from the ART:DIS community. These unique artworks symbolise more than just a thank you; they are a token of our appreciation for the work of ART:DIS. This collaboration emphasises our desire to make a difference through inclusive projects.
Governance: transparency, integrity and responsibility.
Governance at AM ALPHA is characterised by transparency, integrity and responsibility. We subject every property project to specific ESG due diligence, which assesses and addresses the opportunities and risks associated with sustainability. We subject our projects to regular certifications and external assessments to ensure transparency and sustainability.
By consistently integrating ESG criteria into our business philosophy, we ensure long-term development that creates sustainable value. A project-related ESG roadmap is now a standardised part of every investment decision. In addition, we carry out an internal ESG rating for each property based on our "Manage to Green" approach. By applying this principle, we increase the environmental compatibility and sustainability of our projects, which enables us to have a positive impact not only on current but also on future generations.
We emphasise open communication about our ESG efforts to stakeholders and the general public. We report on this regularly on our website.
We believe sustainable investment and economic success go hand in hand and will continue our ESG commitment in the future. Through continuous improvements and the introduction of innovative technologies, we will continue to set new standards in the property sector.