Please wait. Working. Please wait. Working.Environment & Sustainability
One of the key priorities during construction was to ensure that when we opened our doors in 1999, Europe’s leading retail and leisure destination was efficiently designed.
Sustainability is an integral part of Bluewater’s culture. Bluewater understands its environmental impact and strives to be known as a truly sustainable destination. Making a difference in the community and reducing environmental impacts are central to our business strategy.
As improved technologies have become available, our Facilities Management team have continually modernised the energy and waste infrastructure to ensure Bluewater continues to remain at the forefront of sustainability within the retail and leisure sector.
Bluewater is managed by Landsec, the largest commercial property company in the UK.
Landsec have a wide portfolio of properties. For more information please visit the Landsec Portfolio website
As a Landsec managed asset, Bluewater has set challenging energy and carbon reduction targets. Bluewater is committed to supporting the government’s target of achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and to reducing energy intensity (kWh/m2) by 45% by 2030 compared to the 2016/17 baseline year.
Bluewater uses passive ventilation on the malls which significantly reduces their carbon footprint. Associated maintenance impacts are also significantly reduced.
A phased lighting programme began in the car parks in 2019. This utilises the most recent energy efficient LED technology and detectors alongside a monitoring and management programme to significantly reduce the impact of lighting on the local environment. It also represents as 65% reduction in energy use in these areas.
Bluewater has achieved 100% diversion from landfill since June 2009. We currently recycle 75% of all waste being produced on the site.
Glass, card and plastics are all recycled. Food waste is composted. Non-recyclable waste is incinerated at an energy to waste facility.
Bluewater operates a Biodiversity Management Strategy that revolves around a commitment to protect, preserve and enhance the habitats within the 155-hectare estate. Bluewater has 5 different habitats with 27 important plants and animals, alongside 1 million trees and shrubs within the 155-hectare estate. Bluewater has worked over the last decade to protect and enhance its onsite biodiversity, implementing a Biodiversity Management Strategy to help support species surveys and management initiatives.
The Nature Trail was awarded the Green Flag for 2021/22 and a Green Apple Environmental Award 2022 for wildflower planting. Bluewater was also awarded a Bees Needs 2021 award for planting pollinating beds. The site has several beehives producing honey.
Water for watering the seasonal bedding plants is taken from the lakes. The lakes form a part of the site’s sustainable drainage strategy.
Working with local partners including Kent County Council, Kent Highways and local transport operations, Bluewater is promoted as the central hub for transport within the immediate community and sub-region. This ensures that both staff and guests are able to travel to and from Bluewater as easily as possible while reducing congestion and reducing the impact on air quality around the centre.
We now have a fleet of 4 electrical vehicles including 2 electric motorcycles and 3 battery-powered utility vehicles.
To help Bluewater guests reduce their single-use plastic consumption, you can now fill up your water bottle for free at any Bluewater retailer displaying a Refill Me sticker in its window, with zero obligation to make a purchase from the retailer.
Food waste is a big problem, and we're taking steps to be part of a solution. Our retailers are reducing the amount of food waste here at Bluewater by using Too Good To Go, an app that lets you rescue unsold food from an untimely fate at your favourite spots. Eat well while making an impact.
Current retailers using the app:
The facilities team are accredited with ISO9001 (quality), ISO14001 (environment), ISO50001 (energy) and ISO45001 (occupational health and safety).
Find out more about the sustainability initiatives put in place by our brand partners.
