We’re proud to announce we’ve been recognised twice at the Green Apple Environment Awards for properties that we manage for two of our clients: a win for Marks and Spencer Cheshire Oaks and a commendation for Eden Office Park in Bristol.
The Green Apple Awards are run by The Green Organisation – an international, independent, non-profit, non-political environment group that began in 1994 to recognise, reward and promote environmental best practice around the world.
Having opened in 2012, the Marks and Spencer store is the third largest in the world and the largest built from scratch. It was constructed in response to the company’s Plan A commitment to deliver the most sustainably operated and carbon efficient build project conceivable. Hartnell Taylor Cook was tasked with designing a habitat management plan that supported local wildlife, encouraged biodiversity, and ensured wildlife in the area remained as undisturbed as possible.
The management plan resulted in a number of significant biodiversity milestones, including a recorded 88 plant species found on the grounds and sightings of 17 different bird species. As part of the plan, a wildflower meadow that serves as a miniature ecosystem for insects and small mammals had to be maintained; a hedgerow that is home to nesting birds and other small mammals was managed to create an ideal balance between shelter and foraging opportunities; and the store’s pond was left undisturbed and protected during amphibian breeding season. The site is now a sanctuary for bats, birds, toads, butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies.
The success at Cheshire Oaks complements Hartnell Taylor Cook’s recent Green Apple commendation for its work on the Eden Office Park project for a private client in Bristol. This project saw the installation of custom-built bug hotels, bird boxes and hedgehog houses on a roundabout in a busy commercial area in an effort to conserve levels of biodiversity and encourage wildlife to flourish.
Commenting on the news, Stuart Howell, Managing Partner at Hartnell Taylor Cook said: “As environmental considerations rise higher up clients’ agendas, we are delighted to be able to say that we prioritise sustainability in the properties that we manage. It’s great to see our efforts across our client portfolio recognised and we are incredibly proud of our team for recognition at the Green Apple Awards, showcasing our steadfast commitment to sustainability and dedication to only the highest quality of work.”
