ESG Reuse Marketplace
Problem Addressed
Currently waste is the fourth largest source sector of emissions, accounting for 3% of total greenhouse gas emissions in 2017, according to Eurostat, and it is estimated that by 2050 the annual global total will double, approaching 3.4bn tonnes, according to the World Bank. How can we prevent usable items from going to landfill and adding to the excessive waste problem whilst at the same time generating ESG data and societal impact?
Case Study
British Land – Exchange Square
Exchange House is a 10-storey building at Broadgate, a 32 acre office-led campus adjacent to Liverpool Street Station. Joint owners British Land and GIC are investing £1.5 billion in Broadgate’s evolution into a world-class, mixed-use destination for London. The refurbishment of levels nine and ten at Exchange House was undertaken with live offices in operation in the rest of the building. Sustainability was a priority from the outset, supporting British Land’s commitment to achieve a net zero carbon portfolio by 2030 and create greater social impact.
Reusing materials for environmental and social impact
At the tender stage, British Land engaged Globechain, the largest ESG reuse marketplace worldwide. Globechain connects enterprises from construction, retail, hospitality and office sectors with non-profits, small businesses and people to redistribute unneeded items.
During the tender process, KpH Deconstruction engaged with the project team to explore how the reuse of materials could enhance environmental benefits and add social value while delivering commercial returns. Following discussions with Globechain to further understand the process, KpH devised a strategy to overcome potential logistical and programme barriers, including loading area limitations and insurance requirements in the building.
At the pre-demolition audit stage, KpH identified all potential items for reuse, including carpets, floor tiles, ceiling lights, blinds, doors, and telecommunications equipment. They then stripped these out and listed them for reuse on Globechain. Through Globechain’s network of members, charities and local community groups collected 5,889 items, benefiting up to 3,154 people by improving spaces and facilities they use.
Altogether, charities collected over 137 tonnes of materials for reuse, 14% of all strip out material by weight, delivering more significant environmental and social benefit than recycling, at no extra cost.
Reuse Data:
- Items collected: 5889
- Materials reused: 137 tonnes
- People benefited: 3154
- Sectors benefited: Children & Youth, Education & Training and Arts
- BREEAM / LEED recognised for credits
Facts and Figures
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