Deka Group is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increased inclusion of ‘green’ clauses in property, facility and rental contracts. Funding the Gibson Hotel project, the asset management company required the design and build of the property to champion sustainability standards.

The hotel entrance has a three-storey atrium with a green wall, providing a unique ecological feature. There are green spaces throughout the building including accessible courtyards and terraces throughout as well as a green roof space. All of these features improve the ecological footprint of the building, provide habitat for native species and reduce the rainwater runoff from the building reducing the risk of flooding to the surrounding areas. 100% of the Land Use & Ecology Credits were achieved.

The hotel has a rainwater harvesting system which supplies the toilets and reduces mains water usage. Leak detection systems and metering are used throughout to ensure wastage is minimised. Appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines are low flow models to make further water savings. The hotel also has a proactive approach to recycling and glass, cardboard, plastic bottles, aluminium cans, paper, food waste are all sorted and collected for recycling.

Natural ventilation and high levels of daylighting throughout the building. High quality amenity spaces including restaurants and bars accessible by all with access to green spaces including courtyards and terraces. The hotel is well maintained throughout with high levels of occupant control over the internal environment.

Hot water for and heating for guests means the hotel often has a 24-hour heating demand, the installation of CHP provides an opportunity for the hotel to generate electricity from the waste heat. Recent LED lighting upgrades and improvements in the BMS have also yielded operational energy savings.

In total, 88% of the transport credits were achieved. The Luas tram stop is directly outside the hotel entrance to take staff and guests directly to key visitor attractions in Dublin and link with other transport hubs. The airport bus stops directly outside of the hotel which takes less than 10 mins to reach Dublin Airport. Cyclist facilities are provided outside the building and cycle parking is located in the Point Village car park accessed directly from the hotel. The Dublin bikes scheme and other local amenities are within walking distance of the hotel.

Deka’s capital management companies make use of sustainability certificates as proof of compliance with sustainability criteria. Certification by an independent accreditation body, such as the Building Research Establishment, allows investors and tenants to consider environmental and social elements when choosing properties, in addition to economic concerns.

For many commercial tenants, certification of their rental property is also a condition of signing a lease agreement. In addition, occupying a suitably certified property helps the lessee organisation achieve its own sustainability objectives. At the end of 2015, around 60% of the entire property assets held in Deka funds have achieved sustainability certification.

The Gibson has taken the first step in using BREEAM In-Use to measure and improve the environmental performance of the hotel.  It will continue to use the tool to make asset and management improvements and hopes to add the Building Management Certification to its BREEAM accreditation.