CARBON REDUCTION PLAN
1. Introduction and Overview
Plexal operates as a tenant within the Here East Innovation campus, managed by Savills on behalf of Here East. The comprehensive management by Savills includes the metering and invoicing of utilities for all members.
The Here East campus, situated on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, utilises the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park District Energy Scheme for its heating and cooling needs. This sustainable energy scheme operates through energy centres, providing an eco-friendly solution for the entire campus.
Within this framework, Plexal adopts a shared responsibility model alongside other building users for the heating and cooling of the entire Press Centre building. The allocation of heating and cooling costs is proportionate to the square footage each tenant occupies, ensuring an equitable distribution. This approach guarantees that each tenant, Plexal included, pays only for the utilities corresponding to its individual space utilisation.
In terms of electricity consumption, Here East directly meters and recharges members for the electricity they use. Notably, the electricity provided is sourced from a green tariff, certified as REGO, and involves a dynamic energy mix from renewable sources like solar or wind, contingent on their availability. This comprehensive system underscores Here East’s commitment to sustainability and responsible resource management within the campus.
2. Commitment
Plexal is committed to support Savills net zero carbon emissions by 2030 commitment. Plexal is committed to net zero carbon emissions by 2050 for all scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions within Plexal’s control.
Savills (UK) Ltd is committed to achieving net zero carbon in operation by 2030 and influencing the wider industry to work towards carbon neutrality. Our target is aligned with the World Green Building Council’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment, based on 2019 guidance.
[source: Savills Commitment]
3. Baselined Emissions Footprint
The baseline footprint is calculated based on the square footage of Plexal space at Here East.
The numbers are calculated based on the following:
- The heating and cooling is provided through a centralised district system.
- Percentage of electricity provided through solar panels.
- All waste being recovered and recycled with 0% going to landfill.
| Scope | Emissions |
| Scope 1 | 211.75 tCO2e |
| Scope 2 | 78.85 tCO2e |
| Scope 3 | Water and Sewage: 0.18 tCO2e Employee travel ( business and office): 5.84 tCO2e Waste: 0 |
| Total | 296.6 tCO2e |
4. Current Emissions Reporting
| Scope | Emissions |
| Scope 1 | 116.42 tCO2e |
| Scope 2 | 75.65 tCO2e |
| Scope 3 | Water and Sewage: 0.80 tCO2e Employee travel ( business and office): 13.35 tCO2e Waste: 0 |
| Total | 206.23 tCO2e |
5. Progress Against Targets
6. Carbon Reduction Actions and Projects
6.1. Carbon Reduction Completed Initiatives
| Initiative | Details | Scope |
| Plexal lights | Plexal Stratford’s colour triangles were turned off from the 27/2/23 at 7pm. Turning them off for 5 extra hours saving up to 100 kilowatt hours a day. | Scope 1 |
| Shuttle Bus | A free shuttle bus is provided every 5-10 mins, Mon – Fri, from Here East to Stratford Station. This reduced the transport emissions for members and workers to the site. The buses were changed from diesel to electric in 2022. | Scope 3 |
| New Electricity Scheme | Procured renewable energy – Plexal’s electricity is 100% green tariff | Scope 2 |
| Led Lights | Currently in installation process to replace fluorescent lighting with 100% LED lighting. Effects of this have already led the Press Centre building to move from EPC rating of C to B | Scope 2 |
| Environmental Policy | Plexal environmental policy states that employees travelling for business prioritise taking trains rather than flying or driving where possible. The site has received a platinum level cycle score. | Scope 3 |
| Waste management training for members | All new members receive waste management training from Here East. | Scope 3 |
| 0% landfill for waste | All Plexal waste are recycled and recovered through using 3rd party for waste removal. | Scope 3 |
| Plexal start up support | Plexal took part in mentoring and support start up specialising in sustainability, carbon management and green initiatives. | Scope 3 |
| Plexal green wall | Plexal created a green to reduce pollutants, improve thermal controls within the reception area. | Scope 3 |
6.2. Carbon Reduction Future Initiatives
| Initiative | Details | Scope |
| On-site renewable energy | Plans to expand the generation of on-site renewable energy is underway. | Scope 2 |
| East London Energy | Future plans that could indirectly affect the site come from East London Energy are potential plans to slowly bring in heat source pumps to the energy mix. | Scope 1 |
| Waste management training for Plexal employees | Expand the training for waste management to employees as well as members | Scope 3 |
| Cycling to Work Scheme | Plexal plan to join the cycle to work scheme to encourage employees to cycle rather than taking the bus or driving | Scope 3 |
| Updating Members Agreements with Carbon Reduction Policies | Plexal is working on updating their members agreement to include our Carbon Reduction Policies for tighter enforcement. | Scope 3 |
| Carbon Reduction round tables for all Members | Plexal is planning to host carbon reduction round tables for all members and external SME’s, to gain more ideas and feedback on carbon reduction activities. The roundtable will be hosted by carbon experts. | Scope 3 |
| Plexal start up support | Plexal will continue to mentor and support start up specialising in sustainability, carbon management and green initiatives. Plexal will continue to run accelerator programs to generate more startups with these specialities. | Scope 3 |
7. Declaration and Sign Off
This Carbon Reduction Plan has been completed in accordance with PPN 06/21 and associated guidance and reporting standard for Carbon Reduction Plans.
Emissions have been reported and recorded in accordance with the published reporting standard for Carbon Reduction Plans and the GHG Reporting Protocol corporate standard and uses the appropriate Government emission conversion factors for greenhouse gas company reporting .
Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions have been reported in accordance with SECR requirements, and the required subset of Scope 3 emissions have been reported in accordance with the published reporting standard for Carbon Reduction Plans and the Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Standard.
This Carbon Reduction Plan has been reviewed and signed off by the board of directors (or equivalent management body).
Signed on behalf of Plexal ( City) Ltd:
Andrew Roughan
Chief Executive Officer
Date: 20/02/2024