Building management for the age of sustainability
Commercial – your partner in
Building management for the age of sustainability
At Commercial, we are committed to driving positive change and embracing sustainability as a core value. As we propel forward with unwavering determination to achieve Net-Zero by 2028, building management emerges as a pivotal aspect of our mission. Our offices stand as the vibrant heart of our organisation, and it is here that we passionately endeavour to minimise our environmental footprint and leave a lasting, positive impact on the world.
With a forward-thinking approach, we place building management at the centre stage of our endeavours. Through innovative strategies, cutting-edge technologies, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability, we create spaces that not only cater to the needs of our organisation but also tread gently on the planet. Our team of dedicated experts work tirelessly to integrate sustainable practises into every facet of our operations, ensuring that we lead by example and inspire others to join the journey towards a greener, more sustainable future.
Join us as we embark on an exciting chapter, dedicated to building a better, more sustainable world. Together, let’s pave the way for the age of sustainability in building management, setting new standards, and leaving a legacy of positive change for generations to come.
Electric vehicle charging
One way that we’re reducing the direct and indirect emissions associated with our deliveries, business travel, and commuting is by supporting the use of electric vehicles and providing plenty of charging points (EVCs) at our Cheltenham and London premises.
The chargers for our London-based fleet of Ultra Low Emission Zone-compatible electric vehicles are powered by sunshine, thanks to our rooftop solar panels and charging points which connect straight to its energy output.
Electric vehicle chargers in Cheltenham HQ
22kw chargers linked to our rooftop solar in London
tCO2e estimated carbon saving from our EV fleet
%
Of our London fleet of delivery vehicles run on electric
Beyond fossil fuels
While commercial has been purchasing electricity 100% generated from renewables since 2006 – and generating some of our own through solar since 2012 – we are currently tackling the replacement of legacy gas and oil-powered heating systems.
By 2024, commercial’s buildings will no longer run on fossil fuels
Decommissioning
- Gas mains boiler powering the heating at our london office – completed 2021
- Oil tank powering the heating in our cheltenham hq –decommissioning and completing by end of 2023
Replacements
- Air source heat pumps have been installed at our london site and will be in cheltenham by 2024, delivering clean and efficient heating. This will eliminate a large proportion of our scope 1 emissions
highly
Efficient heating
Air source heat pumps are highly efficient, with a coefficient of performance (COP) averaging 3-4.
This compares to a COP of less than 1 for our old oil-fired heating, and industry average rates of 1.3 for fossil fuel-powered systems.
Space and
Water heating
Air source heat pumps can be used to provide hot water in addition to space heating.
This is making them a more versatile option than traditional gas systems.
Heating and
Cooling
Air sourced heating is a cost-effective and efficient option for cooling and heating a building.
This type of heating reduces energy costs, provides a more comfortable and consistent temperature throughout the building.
Suited to
Confined sites
For commercial buildings in urban areas, air-source heat pumps may be the most viable option.
We have the maximum number of solar panels for the structure of our roof, and we’re too close to other buildings to install ground-source pumps.
ISO 14001
Upholding standards for ourselves and others
Commercial has held a ISO14001 certification – which is based on the internal standard for effective EMS – from BSI since 2008
Such is the value that we place on accreditation, we provide strategic consultancy for organisations looking to achieve their own official sustainability certifications. We are BSI Associate Consultants and Planet Mark Associate Consultants, helping clients to achieve:
ISO 14001
The Planet Mark
BSI
Holding standards for Quality Management (ISO 9001), Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001), and Information Security (ISO 27001), we’re deeply committed to external verification driving continual improvement throughout our business – from top to toe.
Commercial’s co-founder and director, Alastair Adams, oversees management review meetings, which are attended by a representation of colleagues from owners to warehouse staff. Each standard is renewed bi-annually following a process of external assessment by the British Standards Institute, resulting in new action plans signed off by the Chair, Arthur Hindmarch.
Renewable electricity
The union of nature and technology that’s powering our offices and electric fleet.
Solar PV
Generating power on site in Cheltenham and London
Hybrid Invertors
Installed to meet future battery storage needs
EV charging
Fuelling our electric vehicles sustainably at our sites
Proven sources
Trusted partners to ensure our grid supply is green
The UK goal is to provide the nation with100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2035.
Commercial has been using only renewable electricity since 2006, and we’re being ambitious and aiming to become 100% self-sufficient for renewable energy across our sites by 2028.
In 2022 we generated 98,914kWh from our solar arrays at our Cheltenham HQ and London site. That’s enough to have powered 34 medium-sized homes for their entire annual electricity usage.
Our goal
- Web Designs 78%
Power generated
- Support Quality 45%
ON-SITE HQ
In 2012 we installed 180 photovoltaic (PV) solar panels at our Cheltenham HQ, sufficient to generate approximately 40kWp.
Don’t just take
our word for it…
Commercial deliver. We are fortunate to work with some amazing partners. Here are some examples of great things we hear every day.
Global sanitation support
One third of the global population does not have access to clean toilet facilities. That’s around 2.8 billion people without a safe and sanitary place to go to the toilet.
We’re committed supporters of the Tearfund charity’s Toilet Twinning initiative. Every year, we twin every single loo and urinal across our business (that’s 23 in total) for a family or community in the poorest, most challenging areas in the world.
Our sponsorship pays for toilets, sanitation, access to clean water and hygiene education. Commercial’s Foundation has joined in too, twinning a further two loos.
Communities supported every year.
Countries we’ve toilet twinned with.
Locations include: Central African Republic, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
Zero waste to landfill
Nothing. Zilch. Nada. We achieved zero waste to landfill in 2012, the first in our industry to do so.
Making good from what’s not needed.
Commercial continues to follow the mantra of reduce, reuse, recycle. In 2022, we recycled 85% of what would have been waste, and incinerated the remaining 15%.
While the process of incinerating waste materials produces energy, ultimately we’re working towards zero incineration too, by 2026.
Better building management
Commercial is closely tracking our progress towards Net Zero by 2028 through the improvements in our building management.
Lockdown variances
Inevitably, when our buildings were all but dormant during the periods of lockdown, our energy usage and emissions dropped.
So, we were very encouraged that only a small increase in annual carbon emissions was recorded in the first year following the end of lockdowns.
The journey continues
Our total carbon intensity (tCO2e/£m) across all three scopes has decreased by 89% since 2006, the year our sustainability journey started. Having installed the maximum renewable generation equipment for our sites, our focus turns to energy storage and a never-ending drive to improve efficiencies.
Post-pandemic progress
Reviewing the data outside of the periods of lockdown, our Scope 1 and 2 emissions have reduced by 45% and 19%, respectively.
That means we are well within our emissions reduction targets to get us to Net Zero across all three scopes by 2028.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re interested in learning more about sustainable building management for your own organisation, please get in touch. Here’s some information that you may find helpful.
What is Sustainable Building Management?
Sustainable building management is the practice of using strategies and technologies to reduce the environmental impacts of buildings and create a more sustainable and efficient built environment.
What are the key elements of Sustainable Building Management?
What are some examples of Sustainable Building Management practices?
What is the importance of Sustainable Building Management for the environment?
What are the benefits of Sustainable Building Management?
What is the role of technology in Sustainable Building Management?
What is the role of the building manager in Sustainable Building Management?
How can Sustainable Building Management save money?
Send our SUSTAINABILITY team a message
making our company more environmentally conscious
In an era where the importance of environmental consciousness cannot be overstated, our Sustainability Team has risen to the challenge with unwavering commitment and innovative thinking. Led by their passion for creating a better and more sustainable future, they have implemented strategies that not only benefit our company but also contribute to the greater good.
Simone Hindmarch
Co-founder and managing director