Designer Outlet Algarve is now BREEAM certified

Loulé, 11 October 2022

The distinction achieved recognises the path of sustainability, reinforced with the Better Shopping programme, implemented by the premium outlet village.

Designer Outlet Algarve has been recognised with the international BREEAM certificate, the world's leading method of sustainability analysis, applied to the planning of projects, infrastructures and buildings. The largest outlet in the Algarve was recognized for successfully meeting the highest standards of sustainable management, having been rated "Very Good" in terms of building performance and "Excellent" in building management.

The certification process measures, among other aspects, the global building management policy, the energy costs and the environmental impact of the centre's activities, including CO2 emissions as well as the consumption and waste management. Care for the comfort of employees and customers (amount of natural light, optimisation of temperature, sound intensity or air quality) and the location of facilities close to public transport were also taken into consideration.

The areas in which the Designer Outlet Algarve achieved the best scores (above 50%) for certification in "Asset Performance" were in "Health and Wellbeing" (60.1%), "Energy" (66.7%), "Transports" (55.5%), "Water" (75%), "Materials" (92.3%), "Waste" (100%), "Land Use and Ecology" (66.6%) and "Pollution" (63.6%).

In terms of building management, the ratings were even better: "Management” (71.74%), "Health and Well-Being" (67.5%), "Energy" (73.3%), "Water" (76.9%), "Materials" (90%), "Land Use and Ecology" (100%) and "Pollution" (75%).

The certification comes in line with the #bettershopping campaign that the operator ROS Retail Outlet Shopping developed for all its 12 outlet centres in Europe, consisting in raising awareness among its visitors to become more responsible and aware of the impact that the retail industry has on the environment and how it can contribute to improve the ecological footprint.

For Miguel Paraíso Guerreiro, Managing Director of Designer Outlet Algarve, "this certification is very important because it attests to our daily commitment to sustainable performance and the responsible management policy of Designer Outlet Algarve. In addition to being a safe space for shopping, Designer Outlet Algarve is also recognized for respecting the environment in all dimensions of its activity."

Since its inception, Designer Outlet Algarve had very strong environmental concerns, which have become increasingly important, not only in the operation of the outlet centre, but also in the promotion of sustainable practices among customers.

In terms of energy, electricity comes 100% from renewable sources, with only LED lighting and lighting activation control systems. “We are already carrying out temperature control and regulation in technical and common areas in order to reduce energy consumption”, highlights Miguel Paraíso Guerreiro.

On the other hand, Designer Outlet Algarve is also working on an improvement of the production and distribution of heated water to reduce peak consumption of equipment and increase its useful life. For this purpose, flow reduction systems have been applied to faucets and urinals and water consumption is monitored for better assessment and water saving planning.

For the largest outlet in the Algarve, recycling must become a fully installed and unquestionable reality. In this sense, awareness-raising actions are frequently carried out with tenants and service providers. As a matter of fact, in 2021, the Designer Outlet Algarve recycled 79% of the waste produced in its operation.

"We have set up a container for used clothing, shoes and accessories to give them a second life. We are working with the company Sarah Trading to ensure the greatest transparency and to accompany us in the process of circular use of these garments," emphasises the Managing Director Miguel Paraíso Guerreiro, also referring that the container or "Dropbox", located next to the square in front of the Adidas store, is available to all visitors.