Environmental Care and the Community

ING Property Trust Management Limited, recognises that certain natural resources are finite and must therefore be used responsibly. 

The protection of the environment has become more important. Scarce resources must be preserved for future generations. At the same time, there is a growing awareness that many environmental issues do not stand alone, but are intertwined with broader social and political developments. 

We are committed to conducting our business responsibly and environmental protection is a fundamental part of this commitment. 

As described in our ING Business Principles, ING New Zealand supports the thesis that healthy economic growth and environmental care are two sides of the same coin. We believe that we have an important role to play in contributing to sustainable development. 

Energy consumption

Most of our in-house energy use is generated through burning fossil fuels. This leads to emissions of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, which are thought to be a leading factor inducing climate change. Given the international debate on climate change, the rationale for ING’s focus on energy consumption is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The most effective measure to cut costs and reduce emissions is to limit consumption. The Executive Board therefore supports the importance of further implementing in-house energy efficiency programmes. In addition, the Executive Board encourages all business units world-wide to purchase renewable energy if, and where, available and feasible. 

Business travel

Energy used for business travel is mainly generated through the burning of fossil fuels. Reducing business travel is the most effective way to reduce costs and carbon emissions. It is ING’s policy to only make business trips if other forms of communication, such as video conferencing, e-mail, fax messages or telephone calls, are inadequate.

Paper consumption

Raw materials (natural wood) and the use of bleaching chemicals make the production of paper harmful to the environment. ING uses vast quantities of paper for its internal and external communications. To limit our impact on the environment, ING aims to reduce paper consumption, by making greater use of electronic communications like the internet, intranets and document imaging. The Executive Board encourages business units to use environmentally friendly paper that is non-bleached (ECF and TCF) and originates from sustainable sources. 

Communication and reporting

All ING business units are expected to raise employee awareness of environmental issues and encourage environmentally responsible behaviour. ING Group publishes an annual corporate responsibility report that includes statistics about our care for the environment and describes our progress in preventing, managing and reducing our environmental impact. 

Our building management policy

ING Property Trust/Medical Properties Trust, as a responsible investor, is keen to ensure that each of its investments has initiatives to achieve environmentally sustainable features in each individual building’s strategic plan. We consider the initiative to produce environmentally responsible developments a fundamental requirement of any project, be it a new development or a retro-fit.

This view is supported by tenant demand for green accommodation that:

• Provides a reduction in operating costs;
• Provides an improved environment for the occupants;
• Mitigates the functional obsolescence of an investment; and
• Results in increased tenant demand for our buildings, and an increase in the property value.

We are committed to finding new and innovative ways of making our new and existing buildings more environmentally sound. To date, these initiatives include: 

Rainwater harvesting

Having the ability to harvest rainwater from the building allows us to reduce water consumption and control stormwater run off from the site.

Bike racks

Building design incorporating on-site bike racks to encourage staff to choose a more carbon-neutral mode of transport. Showers are also being installed as standard in most fitouts and developments as a further incentive to choose bike or foot power. 

Solar power

With current and proposed new building upgrade and development initiatives, we will incorporate, where feasible, solar power generation into new developments. We have implemented a project to put solar-powered signage outside each of our commercial properties. The signs have been developed with new solar technology. 

Efficient and effective services

The services within a building must run in an effective and energy-efficient way. When upgrading or refurbishing a building, we take the opportunity to overhaul essential services such as the lifts, air conditioning systems, emergency generator, security and staff amenities (changing rooms, toilets, kitchens) to bring them in line with green operating standards.