Please wait. Working. Please wait. Working.Environment & Sustainability
One of the key priorities during construction was ensuring 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.
Bluewater is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2040 and to reducing energy intensity (kWh/m2) by 52% by 2030 compared to 2019/20 levels.
Bluewater uses passive ventilation on the malls which significantly reduces the carbon footprint.
A programme of replacement lighting began in 2019 in the car park decks. Guests using bottom and middle car parks will note that lighting comes on as you enter the car park, and is at low levels the rest of the time for guest comfort. This was a significant financial commitment but has reduced energy consumption in these areas by 60%.
The lighting programme is now focused on the malls.
Bluewater has achieved 100% diversion from landfill since June 2009. We currently recycle a minimum of 70% of waste being produced on site and ensure that we re-use where possible.
Bluewater operates a Biodiversity Management Strategy that revolves around a commitment to protect, preserve and enhance the habitats within the estate.
The Nature Trail was awarded the Green Flag again for the seventh consecutive year and was a ‘Gold’ winner of an International Green Apple Award for Making Room for Nature. Bluewater was also awarded a Bees Needs award in 2022 and 2023 for planting to support pollinators.
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 a transport hub within the immediate community and surrounding area. EV chargers are available in multiple car parks.
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 ISO14001 (environment), ISO50001 (energy) and ISO45001 (occupational health and safety) standards.
Find out more about the sustainability initiatives put in place by our brand partners.
