Downing has agreed a deal with ESG technology specialist Utopi, as the property developer and operator outlines its commitment to sustainability.
£400 million development Square Gardens in Manchester will be the first co-living development in the city to benefit from the Utopi ESG technology, making it a landmark deal. Sensors will be installed in all 1,772 apartments, as well as in communal spaces and commercial units.
Also, PBSA developments The Mont in Edinburgh and Vega in Vauxhall will be part of the first cohort of Downing properties to benefit from Utopi. This is phase one of the roll-out with plans underway to expand into other assets nationwide.
Bridging the gap between Proptech and Climate tech, the Glasgow-headquartered company uses pioneering ESG data collection, reporting and impact measurement to significantly improve ESG performance and resident engagement at large scale assets.
Utopi uses smart technology to collect live data from occupied buildings, providing real-time, tangible and contextualised data that allows developers and tenants to act and move towards the decarbonisation of the property industry. It is projected that Utopi has the capability to reduce emissions by 20-30% in the developments it is installed.
This is part of the wider ESG-strategy Downing has been enhancing, as it aims to deliver some of the most sustainable and smart buildings in the UK. It is also growing a dedicated Green Team within the developer, as it continues to look at ways to reduce its carbon output.
Bay Downing, Investment Director at Downing, said: “Our residential developments are known for providing affordable, hassle-free living in sought after locations right across the UK, where residents can make the most of city centre living. Downing’s all-round service has come through years of consultation and collaboration with our tenants, ensuring they have the services and facilities they want and need.
“Installing Utopi is the next step in our journey, as we are giving our environmentally-conscious tenants the opportunity to join the Downing team to make our developments as sustainable as possible – through operation as well as construction.”
Jonathan Burridge, Founder and CEO at Utopi, said: “Data-driven transformation is essential to reducing global carbon emissions and is key to future-proofing sustainable communities across the UK.
“We are delighted to have agreed this partnership with Downing. As a transformative developer across the country, it can access thousands of tenants and educate them about the decisions they are making when it comes to energy consumption.”
