Going green! Agent opens ‘eco-branch’

Portico Estate Agents is set to unveil a new sustainable office at its Fulham branch in London next week.

It forms part of a pledge by the Leaders Romans Group-owned brand to go carbon neutral by 2030.

Portico commissioned green office and retail design consultants Jackson Associates to completely refurbish and design the Fulham office to their new green principles. 

The new office is fully powered by renewable green energy, including a 20% reduction on previous energy usage by introducing timed lighting, air conditioning and heating to the branch. 

The introduction of low flow taps saves up to 50% of water consumption and the use of low VOC paints means they don’t off-gas as much as traditional paints.

The fixtures and fittings have been chosen to be as environmentally friendly as possible, all wood has been sourced from locally produced FSC-certified wood. 

Office chairs are made from 100% recycled fabric in a closed loop content production process, with 25% of the raw material derived from the brand’s own recycled waste streams. Carpet in the new branch is not only made from 65% post -industrial recycled content, but the supplier will repurpose and recycle the finished item when it reaches end of life.
 

Every element of the re-fit has been produced in the UK or local to Fulham to reduce transport emission costs and support local businesses. 

Ceiling tiles are manufactured in the UK using biosoluble mineral wool, perlite, clay and starch. They are durable, 100% recyclable and rated A+.

Solar film lines the high-street facing windows to reflect heat out of the branch and lowers the need for electricity.

David Wilson, chief operating officer at LRG, said: “The more the world learns about climate change, the more we realise that we all have a part to play in halting the devastating effects it is having on our environment. 

“Tenants and homeowners expect more sustainability and responsibility from the property services they use and interact with and as an integral part of the local community in each of our nationwide branch network we want to play our part in delivering the UK’s wider carbon reduction goals.”

“Now is the time for the property sector to embrace the next big challenge and step up to help turn the industry green.”