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Multi-channel programme to offer tenants at cost re-used office furniture, support their sustainability goals and foster a circular economy in Hong Kong
Swire Properties today announced a partnership with Sustainable Office Solutions ("SOS"), a sustainable asset management specialist, to launch a pioneering office furniture solution for Taikoo Place and Pacific Place tenants, a Hong Kong-and-industry first.
The service gives tenants exclusive access to premium and re-used furniture products from around Hong Kong. SOS will store, maintain, and display these high-quality items at a physical showroom provided by Swire Properties. Tenants can also browse the full inventory using a digital marketplace tool, or book appointments to inspect items in person before purchasing.
In 2020, the total amount of construction waste sent to Hong Kong landfills totalled 1.25 million tonnes; and via this new initiative, the Company and SOS aim to significantly reduce the volume of office furniture that goes to landfill and support the transition towards a circular economy.
"We're delighted to be working closely with SOS to offer an original solution that helps tenants manage and procure office furniture in a more sustainable way during their refurbishments and fit-outs, and at the same time, cost-effectively reduce their embodied carbon footprint," said Don Taylor, Director, Office at Swire Properties.
"Historically there has been a lack of local channels to effectively redistribute and re-use commercial furniture, and this exclusive non-profit partnership bridges that gap. As Swire Properties continues to integrate sustainability into every facet of its business, this is one of the many ways we're moving towards this goal by supporting our tenants attain their own sustainability objectives. The idea, of course, is to collectively help Hong Kong reach a net-zero economy by 2050."
"We are proud to be partnering with Swire Properties, an initiative which started almost at the inception of SOS and which is creating momentum to challenge the traditional Hong Kong office leasing, renovation and reinstatement practices. Our new industry-leading partnership and circular furniture showroom cements our joint commitment to sustainable office solutions," said Rob Wall, Managing Director, Sustainable Office Solutions.
In addition to this service, SOS and Swire Properties offer a sustainable office furniture redistribution service to the Company's tenants. If they have any unwanted office furniture, they can opt to engage SOS' professional business services, to arrange re-homing, donation or recycling.
A thorough report is then provided by SOS when the project has wrapped up and includes data and details such as the items' final destinations, estimated carbon emission savings and the amount of furniture diverted from landfill, which can all help tenants in their own ESG reporting.
To date, the programme has already assisted five Taikoo Place and Pacific Place tenants in diverting more than 500 pieces of furniture from landfills, totalling over 18 tonnes.
As part of its continuing mission to create vibrant sustainable communities, Swire Properties has launched the action-oriented Green Performance Pledge ("GPP").
The GPP provides a comprehensive, master framework for Tenant-Landlord cooperation on sustainability throughout the entire tenancy cycle, from fit-out to operations, with a particular focus on reducing energy use, water consumption and waste. GPP tenants who purchase re-used furniture from the new showroom may earn ‘Seed Points' under the GPP SD fit-out programme.
This is just one of many exclusive programmes GPP tenants can enjoy. Others include: the Smart Waste Reduction Programme, a technology-based initiative launched in July 2021 that helps Hong Kong office tenants track their waste reduction journeys; and free energy audits to help them identify energy-saving opportunities.
For more information on Swire Properties' sustainability initiatives or work, visit www.swireproperties.com/en/sustainable-development/
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About Swire Properties
Swire Properties develops and manages commercial, retail, hotel and residential properties, with a particular focus on mixed-use developments in prime locations at major mass transportation intersections. Swire Properties is listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong and its investment portfolio in Hong Kong comprises Taikoo Place, Pacific Place, Cityplaza and Citygate. The Company's completed portfolio in Hong Kong comprises approximately 15.8 million sq ft (approximately 1.5 million sqm) of space.
In the Chinese Mainland, Swire Properties has six completed mixed-use developments in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu. They include Taikoo Li Sanlitun and INDIGO in Beijing, HKRI Taikoo Hui and Taikoo Li Qiantan in Shanghai, Taikoo Hui Guangzhou and Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li Chengdu. INDIGO Phase Two in Beijing and Taikoo Li Xi'an are currently under development. The Company's completed portfolio in the Chinese Mainland comprises approximately 14 million sq ft (approximately 1.3 million sqm) of space.
In addition to Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland, the Company has investments in the United States, Indonesia and Vietnam.
2022 is Swire Properties' 50th anniversary. Throughout the year, the Company will be celebrating its achievements and the core values that have underpinned its success, over the past five decades, under the theme of "ORIGINAL. ALWAYS". "ORIGINAL" captures Swire Properties' forward-looking and innovative spirit, and "ALWAYS" refers to the Company's long-term commitment and trusted reputation. A range of special events and campaigns will be launched to celebrate this milestone.
Visit Swire Properties' website at www.swireproperties.com
About Sustainable Office Solutions (SOS)
Sustainable Office Solutions Limited offers a specialised service that works with corporations and property management companies to facilitate a circular economy of office assets. The streamlined process is tailored to divert furniture waste from landfills during office relocation and renovation. Data such as weight and carbon reduction from the project is recorded in the impact report to support clients' sustainability strategies and goals.https://sos-action.com/