Leading central London student accommodation provider urbanest has partnered with JLL’s Sustainability Consulting team to establish a sector-leading sustainability strategy. This is set to bolster their existing ESG commitments.
urbanest offers 4,000 student beds across their central London portfolio of developments (including King’s Cross, Waterloo and in the City). They partner with London’s top universities – King’s College, UCL and LSE among them – to deliver high quality rooms.
The collaboration is a two-phase project that will establish robust ESG reporting requirements and devise a comprehensive sustainability roadmap. This is in addition to urbanest’s pre-existing environmental and social commitments and position as one of London’s leading Passivhaus developers.
By evaluating their business and incorporating the insights gained from JLL, urbanest will achieve their long-term sustainability goals. It will also enhance their standing amongst stakeholders and position them as a leader in sustainable development within the PBSA sector.
“By leveraging JLL’s dedicated ESG Reporting and Sustainability Strategy service, Urbanest will be able to deliver positive impacts and confidently navigate sustainability reporting requirements, ensuring they are well-prepared for the evolving demands of their industry. We very much look forward to working closely with them on this exciting project.”
Claire Racine, EMEA Head of ESG Strategy, JLL
JLL’s recent work with British Land, in the same vein as the strategy they will be undertaking for urbanest, opened new strategic conversations and a series of actionable future-proofing recommendations for the investment trust.
The exercise responded to reporting requirements, with mirror groups of millennials included in expert internal and external stakeholder workshops.
The tailored JLL service includes in-depth reviews of peer performance, legislation, reporting standards, investor expectations, and the exploration of data management options. The output from this phase will be a Disclosure Roadmap, outlining actionable steps based on identified frameworks and metrics.
As the project progresses into the second phase, JLL will work closely with urbanest to develop a future-proofed sustainability strategy. The project will identify key ESG focus areas for Urbanest, culminating in a set of clear targets and robust action plan.
urbanest can then chart their journey of sustainability integration within their business while enhancing client experience and capturing cost savings.
“Our partnership with JLL will provide us with a state-of-the-art roadmap to achieving sector leading sustainability developments. We’re excited and ready to start actioning these recommendations to continue providing vital high-quality student accommodation – helping to reduce the acute pressures on housing in London.”
Anthony Mellalieu, Chief Operating Officer, Urbanest
Last September, urbanest closed and completed on all financing and construction agreements to deliver a PBSA scheme in London. Designed by Apt Architects, the development is situated next to Billingsgate Market.
The PBSA scheme will deliver 1,672 student beds and 80 residential apartments across three towers for University College London (UCL) students. Amenities include a gym, yoga studio, cinema, study spaces and games rooms – all situated within an elevated skybridge.
