ESG

Paradise is a highly sustainable destination built around people.

The aim is to create a new piece of city that serves the environment by highlighting positive action towards a net zero future for all: occupiers and their staff, visitors and local communities.

This mirrors the MEPC approach as an agent for change that builds sustainable communities while maximising economic and social outcomes – not just through buildings but also connectivity and placemaking at the heart of its work.

The construction industry accounts for 40% of carbon emissions. It’s the reason Paradise is working hard to reduce consumption and increase efficiency as the estate develops, one building at a time.

As an example of this, Three Chamberlain Square will be a class-leading net zero carbon-enabled workplace and the most sustainable new building in Birmingham.

Adapting to, and recovering from, the impacts of climate change is now the foundation from which all new buildings and public realm are delivered.

Data on every element of the materials used drives the decision-making and approach, from the selection of the structural frames down to each building’s internal fixtures and finishes of through to public realm planting.

Every decision is made to ensure Paradises achieves the lowest embodied carbon possible while ensuring quality remains the very best it can be.

Paradise is committed to supporting local people in securing employment through the job opportunities available within our estate management and building teams, contractors and supply chains, and our on-site occupiers.

We promote our direct employment opportunities through Birmingham City Council’s Employment Access Team. Our occupiers are also encouraged to liaise with this team to share and promote their individual business opportunities.

By employing locally and facilitating opportunities, we can make a real difference to the city we’re so proud to be a part of, while also promoting equality of opportunity

Paradise aims to recycle, reuse or repurpose 100% of the materials used at every stage of the construction and development process across the estate.

In line with its zero-to-landfill policy, the estate already recycles a wide range of products including building materials, paper, plastic, wastewater and batteries from offices – as well as organic materials such as coffee grounds.

Maintenance vehicles and tools on-site are electric-powered and we have 20 electric vehicle (EV) charging points.

Designed from the outset with people in mind, Paradise offers a wellbeing programme to support occupier’s own initiatives, through a mix of monthly activities to help generate a wider enjoyment across the estate and engender a real community of not just colleagues and peers, but of people.

By actively managing quality of air, light, water and comfort, Paradise creates the very best working space to support the mental and physical wellbeing of all those working here.

Promoting active travel to, from and around the site, and managing our contractors and supply chain to reflect the same priorities, is all part of a joined-up approach.

The BREEAM rating is the benchmark for evaluating commercial buildings’ sustainability and environmental performance based on elements such as energy efficiency, water usage, materials used, waste management, and overall environmental impact.

Paradise aims to achieve a minimum of BREEAM Excellent ratings for each one of its buildings to demonstrate a commitment to reducing the carbon footprint, promoting sustainable practices and creating healthy working spaces.

For our latest building, Three Chamberlain Square, we have already achieved the highest BREEAM Outstanding rating at design stage – together with being the first building in the city to achieve a NABERS 5* rating at design stage.

Creating energy-efficient offices that meet the demands of modern businesses goes hand in hand with our latest standards of delivering all-electric, SMART-enabled buildings with a low carbon footprint.

One Centenary Way won the Best Smart Building Award at the 2024 international Inavate Awards in recognition of the building management system, and this building is setting the standard in the city for its minimal use of C0₂ in both construction and operation.

Real-time, digital information and seamlessly integrating controls for HVAC, security, safety and lighting from one central point helps occupiers improve the overall functionality of their space and achieve results to support their own journey towards a net zero carbon future.