Great Portland Estates plc (GPE) is a leading real estate investment trust (REIT) in the United Kingdom that specializes in the development, investment, and management of high-quality office and retail properties in central London. The company was founded in 1959 and is headquartered in London, with a portfolio of properties valued at over £2.6 billion as of March 2021.

GPE is committed to sustainability and decarbonisation, and has set ambitious targets to reduce its carbon footprint and become a net-zero carbon company by 2030. The company recognizes the urgent need to address climate change and is taking proactive steps to reduce its environmental impact, including investing in renewable energy and implementing energy-efficient measures across its portfolio.

One of GPE's key initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint is its Corporate Energy Programme, which aims to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption across its properties. The programme includes a range of measures such as LED lighting, smart building systems, and energy-efficient HVAC systems, which have helped the company achieve a 25% reduction in energy consumption since 2013.

In addition to energy efficiency measures, GPE is also investing in renewable energy to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and lower its carbon emissions. The company has installed solar panels on several of its properties, including 33 Cavendish Square and 240 Blackfriars Road, which generate renewable energy to power the buildings and reduce their carbon footprint.

GPE is also exploring the use of Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to source renewable energy from off-site sources. Corporate PPAs allow companies to purchase renewable energy directly from a renewable energy generator, which can help to reduce their carbon footprint and support the growth of renewable energy.

In 2020, GPE signed its first Corporate PPA with Danish renewable energy company Ørsted, for the purchase of renewable energy from the Hornsea Project One offshore wind farm. The PPA will provide GPE with 25% of its annual electricity consumption from renewable sources, and is expected to reduce the company's carbon emissions by over 3,000 tonnes per year.

GPE's commitment to sustainability and decarbonisation is not only good for the environment, but also makes good business sense. The company recognizes that sustainable buildings are more attractive to tenants, who are increasingly looking for environmentally responsible properties. By investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy, GPE is not only reducing its environmental impact, but also enhancing the value of its properties and attracting high-quality tenants.

In conclusion, Great Portland Estates plc is a leading real estate investment trust in the United Kingdom that is committed to sustainability and decarbonisation. The company is taking proactive steps to reduce its carbon footprint and become a net-zero carbon company by 2030, including investing in renewable energy and implementing energy-efficient measures across its portfolio. GPE's Corporate Energy Programme, use of renewable energy, and Corporate PPA with Ørsted are all examples of the company's commitment to sustainability and its efforts to reduce its environmental impact. By investing in sustainability, GPE is not only reducing its carbon footprint, but also enhancing the value of its properties and attracting high-quality tenants who are increasingly looking for environmentally responsible properties.