Swire Properties Inc., a South Florida international developer of urban real estate, said it continues driving ambitious corporate climate action through its SD 2030 Strategy to fulfill the goal of becoming the global sustainability leader in the industry by 2030.
The strategy is built on five pillars — places, people, partners, performance (economic) and performance (environment) — which underpin the company’s business activities. Swire adopted the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in 2019, establishing a long-term decarbonization trajectory for its portfolios around the world, in line with the Paris Agreement. The publication of the SD 2030 Development Report in April 2021 provides transparency to stakeholders on the progress made and demonstrates Swire’s commitment to operate in an environmentally, socially and economically responsible manner, the company said.
In Miami, Swire Properties has partnered with entities including The Underline, Moffatt & Nichol, The Lotus House and Overtown Youth Center, respectively, to take environmental action, educate and inspire a more sustainable lifestyle throughout South Florida.
“Creative transformation through sustainable initiatives is central to Swire’s business philosophy and company culture,” said Kieran Bowers, president of Swire Properties. “Miami has been our U.S. home base for over 40 years, and our goal to be the leading sustainable development performer in our industry globally by 2030 applies equally to all the geographies we invest in. Placemaking with sustainable development at the forefront of our thinking will deliver positive value over the long term for the stakeholders of today and future generations.”
Swire Properties has been listed in two prominent global sustainability indices: the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World) and Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB). The developer’s mixed-use project in Miami, Brickell City Centre, was awarded LEED Gold for Neighborhood Development, the highest honor of LEED certification.
The company is working on various initiatives in Miami. One involves promoting the urban lifestyle at its Brickell City Centre by committing $1.1 million to The Underline organization that seeks to maximize the land below Miami’s Metrorail near the property. Swire sponsors the Flex Court, a flexible outdoor space for recreational activities at Brickell Backyard, the park’s first section. To help preserve the Miami coastline while preserving the functionality of the waterfront, Swire engaged the engineering firm Moffatt & Nichol to propose an alternative solution to one proposed by The United States Army Corps of Engineers and design a long-term environmental solution that both protected and enhanced Miami’s urban coastline.
In February 2021, Swire joined Miami Dade County’s “BE305 Challenge,” an initiative to reduce energy and water consumption by at least 20% in participating buildings across Miami-Dade County by 2026. The company entered Brickell City Centre entirely. Significant changes have already taken place including replacing all lights in the retail parking garage with LED lighting, reducing usage by 327% annually. LED lighting replacements will continue in the residential parking garage as well as common areas throughout the entire complex. Other upgrades to the green roof irrigation system, as well as landscaping, have reduced water and energy consumption, while the company continues to implement additional methods to contribute to similar savings.
In April, Swire introduced PLANT (People, Lifestyle and Nature Together), an initiative that included a series of ongoing educational and interactive activations that inspire environmental action and a more sustainable lifestyle. The company will continue PLANT throughout the year by partnering with sustainability-focused organizations that will have the opportunity to propose initiatives that bring further awareness and educational tools to the local community. In addition, it launched “Home Grown,” an ongoing program that partners with Miami-based nonprofits and community leaders to expand their philanthropic scope throughout South Florida.
