Vicinity targets zero net carbon in malls by 2030
Shopping centre landlord Vicinity is aiming for a net zero carbon emissions target by 2030 for the 34 malls it owns entirely by using solar power and energy efficiency measures to reduce its footprint.
The ambitious target applies to the energy Vicinity is itself as the landlord responsible for in its malls to power communal lighting, airconditioning and escalators.
The property trust is already into the second stage of $73 million program with solar arrays being installed across 22 shopping centres in six states.
To get to the zero net target, Vicinity will effectively factor in offsets from the excess power from its solar generation, which it sells down to its tenants who have their own individual energy needs within their occupancies.
Vicinity has already switched on 12 rooftop solar energy systems, which are delivering more than 5000MWh.
“As Australia’s second-largest retail property company, we recognise the role Vicinity plays in transitioning to a low-carbon economy,” said managing director Grant Kelley.
Vicinity’s energy efficiency program – innovation and improvements in lighting, air-conditioning and optimising building performance – has reduced carbon emissions by 14 per cent since June 2016.
Our net zero carbon target focuses on our wholly-owned centres but we’re also working closely with our co-owners and retailers to drive efficiencies,” said chief strategy officer Justin Mills.
Vicinity is also piloting battery use, with the country’s largest battery at a shopping mall, a Sungrow-Samsung SDI product, installed at Castle Plaza in South Australia.
Other major landlords are setting up ambitious solar programs, such as Stockland, a diversified property trust, which plans to cover the rooftops of 10 of its shopping centres with 6.4 hectares of solar panels.
Brisbane Airport is setting up a six-megawatt system across six buildings while Brisbane Market is expanding its current solar program to more than 5 MW across 23 buildings.
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