RPS Helps Long-term Client to Significant Recognition for Sustainability

Shaftesbury PLC, the quoted London-based property investment and management company, which has been a client of RPS since 2002, has been recognised as a top performer in 2017 sustainability awards and indices by being listed in the Vigeo Eiris top 20 performer in the UK.

RPS has a long-standing relationship with Shaftesbury assisting them in developing and implementing their sustainability strategy since 2002 and now providing a part time seconded consultant to further embed the strategy throughout the business. Through identifying Shaftesbury’s key environmental, social and community issues, it has been possible to prioritise those requiring attention and establish programmes for improvement and ensure that they are a business that is operating sustainably. The success of Shaftesbury’s sustainability performance is measurable against its recognition from numerous indices.

The emphasis has been on pragmatic and achievable objectives, which are consistent and complement Shaftesbury’s business activities and those of sustainability. RPS has assisted Shaftesbury in the implementation of its objectives throughout its 14 acre portfolio by close involvement with Shaftesbury’s management teams, project managers and managing agents. RPS also annually audits Shaftesbury’s progress and reports on their activities as part of the company’s reporting strategy.

The recognition from Euronext and Vigeo Eiris is in addition to a number of other plaudits:

Shaftesbury as a property investment company in central London recognises the importance of incorporating effective sustainability in the underpinning of its operations.

“Sustainability is a core part of our business. Being located in the West End of London with a mixed use portfolio presents a number of challenges. Working with RPS over the last 15 years has meant that this stays on our agenda and that we continually improve our performance. These awards are particularly pleasing because they are the culmination of all our hard work in this arena.”
Penny Thomas, Company Secretary, Shaftesbury

“Other clients, whether housebuilders, commercial developers, property investment companies or the retail sector, have to be increasingly able to demonstrate that not only that the developments they are building satisfy 'sustainability' criteria but that their own businesses are managed in a socially responsible manner” says RPS Technical Director Tanya Lloyd Jones “The two are closely linked. By embedding sustainability into the core of its business, the client will easily be able to demonstrate adoption of best practice in sustainable design when submitting outline or detailed planning applications.”

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