Making Mamhilad More Green

Mamhilad Park Estate took an early decision to look at ways to become more environmentally friendly-to become green. The park, already an environmental oasis, is now set to become even greener with the introduction of a range of environmentally friendly measures. Johnsey Estates chief executive officer James Crawford said: “We have created an environment here in which, we are proud to be able to say, people are very happy to spend their time. “We’ve invested a great deal into transforming the physical structures on site, such as creating thousands of square feet of modern office space and improving the infrastructure. We’re now looking at building on and improving our green credentials.” James said they have talked with occupiers along the way to gauge their views to the proposals and get ideas of what is wanted. One initiative recently introduced after consultation with occupiers is a lift sharing scheme. The scheme is in its infancy but appears to have grabbed occupiers’ interest.

Currently there are 114 members signed up, with 14 lift share teams already formed with people successfully lift sharing every day. The scheme works by those on site travelling the same route into work matched up to share car journeys thus cutting down in single use vehicles and boosting on site car parking space availability. The benefits are for everyone involved saving money and a reduction of vehicle emissions. Those taking part in the scheme also benefit from the use of priority parking on site. The installation of electric charging points is also proposed. James, who cycles to work from Abergavenny along the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal, said: “In the future, we are considering the installation of electric charging points for vehicles and switching our company vehicles to electric. We’re also looking at providing a selection of bicycles for travel around the site and up to the canal by our occupiers.” The park’s on-site café, gym and children’s day nursery and crèche also help cut emissions from occupiers’ vehicles as they would otherwise have to travel off site for such provisions.

James said: “As a business community we are committed to sustainable business practices. Therefore, the measures we have put into place have been welcomed by our occupiers. We also hold regular occupier meetings where we discuss what else can be done to make Mamhilad Park Estate greener. “When developing the site we build in a way that is more energy efficient, for example by replacing old windows with brand new K glass which keeps heat in the winter and reflects the heat of the sun off the windows in the summer, cutting down on the need for air conditioning and excess heating. “The business park recycles a wide range of materials such as paper, cardboard and plastic and uses energy efficient LED lighting in the offices and communal areas and the outside lights all around the site. “The site’s less efficient boilers have been replaced with 95 per cent efficient boilers. Occupiers are also encouraged to ditch their cars and hop on their bikes to cycle to work; there is an onsite bike storage facility. “The park is also being gradually turned into a haven for wildlife. Nesting boxes have been placed at various sites around the park, there are hedgehog nests and there are also nine managed beehives. “When machinery is needed the site opts for electric versions and is continually investing in the clean option in replacing the noisier and carbon polluting older diesel and petrol driven equipment.” But why is Mamhilad Park Estate taking all these green measures? James said: “It is very important to do all we can to be more green as a business park. We are fast approaching a point of no return in terms of irreversible damage to our planet’s environment, and the time for action is now. It is important to us that we try to set an example for the businesses on site. “In truth, being greener often costs more in the short term, but the benefits outweigh the costs in the long run. Many of our environmental initiatives will have to be adopted in the future so being ahead of the curve is important. Many companies must now think of the Triple Bottom Line – Profit, People and Planet.”