Launch of Net Zero Carbon ("NZC") Framework

RNS Number : 7957B

Primary Health Properties PLC

16 February 2022

 

  16 February 2022

Primary Health Properties PLC

("PHP", the "Group" or the "Company")

Launch of Net Zero Carbon ("NZC") Framework

Primary Health Properties PLC, one of the leading investors and developers of flexible, modern primary healthcare accommodation across the UK and Ireland, is pleased to announce the launch of the Group's Net Zero Carbon ("NZC") Framework.

PHP is committed to transitioning to NZC across its operations and property portfolio. We have set out below the five key steps to achieve an ambitious target of being NZC by 2030 for all of PHP's operational, development and asset management activities and to help our occupiers achieve NZC by 2040, five years ahead of the NHS's target of becoming the world's first net zero carbon national health system by 2045, and 10 years ahead of the UK and Irish Governments' targets of 2050.

PHP has a strong commitment to responsible business and ESG matters to address the key areas of the environment, social and governance issues that are embedded into the Group's investment, development, asset management and corporate activities. The Group realises the importance of its assets to the local healthcare community, making it easier for GP, NHS and HSE occupiers to deliver effective services.

PHP'S Net Zero Carbon Framework

Year	Target	Intermediate actions being taken to achieve target
2023	Operations to be net zero by 2023	· Assets where we have control and management will be NZC by 2023 with all residual carbon offset through carefully selected projects which actively take carbon out of the atmosphere · Procuring 100% renewable electricity where available and PHP controls the supply · Continued reductions in the carbon footprint of all management and head office activities with residual emissions offset annually
2025	All new developments to be net zero by 2025	· Reduce carbon emissions associated with our development activities · Benchmark embodied carbon and undertake whole life carbon assessment for all new developments · Align developments to supply chains that target minimising embodied carbon and provide low carbon materials · Offset the remaining carbon from our development activities including embodied carbon of materials and fossil fuel energy consumed during construction · Continually review and embed NZC aligned operational and embodied carbon performance targets in future designs
2030	All properties to have an EPC rating of B or better and target improved energy performance	· Across the portfolio all properties to have an EPC rating of B or better or are capable of achieving this when next refurbished ·   Through our asset and property management activities, review and continually reduce energy use intensity (kWh/m2) of our buildings through upgrades to building fabric and systems replacing and improving energy consuming features with technologies exhibiting high energy performance credentials · Offset the remaining carbon from our asset management activities including embodied carbon of materials and fossil fuel energy consumed during construction · Collect and communicate energy performance data for all our occupiers, including Display Energy Certificates ("DEC"), and help them to transition to renewable electricity supplies and operate our buildings in the most energy efficient way
2035	All buildings to have achieved an 80% reduction in carbon footprint	· Continued energy demand reduction through upgrade and refurbishment · Increase the amount of renewable electricity we generate on our sites such as solar and other renewables · For existing properties that have gas heating we will replace these systems with electric, heat pumps or other renewable alternatives
2040	All buildings to be net zero by 2040	· Help occupiers to lease and operate our buildings to achieve a NZC footprint in operation · Offset any remaining occupier residual carbon from 2040 for all properties where the lease was signed or renewed after 2035 · NZC achieved five years ahead of the NHS's target of 2045 and 10 years ahead of the UK and Irish Governments' targets of 2050

Further details on the Net Zero Carbon Framework will be available in the 2021 Annual Report and website.

Harry Hyman, Chief Executive Officer of Primary Health Properties, commented:

"We are delighted to be publishing alongside our results today PHP's Net Zero Carbon ("NZC") Framework, an ambitious five-stage plan that will transition the Group's portfolio to net zero by 2040. This roadmap demonstrates that the Group's commitment to ensuring responsible business and sustainably are at the heart of our investment, development, asset management and corporate activities while making it easier for GP, NHS and HSE occupiers to deliver effective services and to meet their own NZC targets."

ENDS

For further information contact:

Harry Hyman Chief Executive Officer Tel: [phone]	Richard Howell Chief Financial Officer Tel: [phone]
David Rydell / Steph Whitmore / Tilly Abraham / Verity Parker (Buchanan Communications) Tel: [phone]

Legal Entity Identifier: 213800Y5CJHXOATK7X11

 

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