Sustainability is major part of our business, and permeates all aspects of our operations. As part of the real estate business we find the potential of making real contributions towards the overarching goal of reduced climate emissions and preservation of nature and its resources. Developing our shopping centers focusing on energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, lower consumption of water and other resources, and reduction of waste is among the areas where we feel we can make a difference.
We are also aware of our impact on society and the people living in it, and we seek both inwards and outwards when addressing this matter. Our shopping centers play a vital role in the local communities they are a part of, and we wish to give a positive contribution back to the communities upon which our business rests, while making our shopping centers a safe, healthy and inviting destination. At the same time, we reach far beyond the boarders of the local communities through our supply chains. Conducting our business in a manner which always considers the well-being of the people we affected is always of major concern.
In 2022, Aurora included a full set of quantitative ESG data as an integrated part of the annual report for the first time. The ESG report were set up in line with the standards for sustainability reporting set by EPRA (The European Real Estate Association), who each year conducts a survey of their members' ESG reporting.
In the survey of 2023, Aurora Eiendom was awarded a certificate of achieving gold level compliance with EPRA's standards for ESG reporting, while also receiving the Most Improved Award, being mentioned as one of three companies having made the most significant progress compared to 2022.
We have a goal of having all our shopping centers BREEAM In-Use certified at the level of Very Good or higher. As of today, we are very close to reaching our goal, as only two shopping centers await their certificate.
The results we have been able to achieve have surpassed our expectations, with two shopping centers achieving the highest marks of Outstanding. In addition we find three shopping centers in the second highest category, Excellent. The final two have achieved Very Good, in line with the ambition of the company.
Each year the Norwegian Shopping Center Association hands out the sustainability award to a shopping center which have made a significant effort and contribution to the work on sustainability. For 2023, this acknowledgement was awarded Alti Vinterbro, for its major contributions and efforts on multiple fronts.
The jury highlighted the shopping center's systematic approach to improve its environmental performance - a well established operational plan, low energy consumption, solar panels on the roof, and focus on biodiversity by implementing measures in order to retain native species.
All shopping centers of Aurora are operated by Alti Forvaltning, and Aurora's goals and general approach towards sustainability is therefore closely intertwined with that of Alti.
Alti has a strong focus on sustainable real estate management, and includes elements of all three aspects of ESG in their management approach.
The designated environmental management group in Alti Forvaltning consists of Alti's sustainability Manager and selected company representatives. The group seeks to develop routines to systematically improve our work regarding energy monitoring and consumption, water consumption and waste management. The focus is on reducing the company’s gross total CO2 emissions.
The group ensures that the company’s procedures contribute to the use of renewable resources, responsible consumption and purchase, and sustainable operation of the properties we manage.
The environmental group focuses on different aspects of environmental management:
Alti Forvaltning has started a process of standardization of the technical systems and equipment, and updating of outdated control systems. Our goal is to develop a standard for the whole portfolio of shopping centers, all of which will be monitored and managed from the company’s head office.
This plays a central role in optimizing energy consumption of our technical installations, hence reducing our total consumption of energy, and will also contribute to a better indoor climate at our centers.
In Aurora we are aware of our responsibility to conduct our business in a responsible manner, considering both the environment and the people we influence. Our shopping centers utilizes its position in its local community to exhibit our community engagement. Read more about our different measures in this regard in our annual report.
We will follow up on specific requests regarding the Transparency Act and Aurora's handling of actual and potential negative consequences for basic human rights and decent working conditions. Any inquiries regarding these topics should be sent to aapenhetsloven@alti.no
