Orchard Street’s Euroway Trading Estate becomes first UK Industrial units to achieve AirScore certification

Further demonstration of Orchard Street’s Commitment to creating social value on behalf of  the Orchard Street Social and Environmental Impact Partnership. 

Orchard Street Investment Management (‘’Orchard Street’’) has completed the first phase of refurbishment at Euroway Trading Estate creating significant environmental and social Impact and, becoming the first industrial units in the UK to receive an AirScore D&O certification. 

AirScore, the global benchmark for indoor air quality, is an industry-leading certification that enables landlords, developers and employers to communicate the health of indoor environments to their tenants and employees. As the first UK industrial scheme to achieve AirScore certification, Euroway Trading Estate demonstrates that offices within industrial facilities can achieve exceptional indoor office air quality standards at a level traditionally only associated with prime offices. 

Acquired last year, Euroway Trading Estate in Aylesford comprises seven multi let assets of c.89,000 sq ft. Orchard Street’s strategy will decarbonise the estate, targeting net zero across all vacant units, whilst adding social value through a variety of initiatives including the improvement of air quality within the offices of each refurbished unit. To date, three of seven units (c.20,000 sq ft) have been fully refurbished and are available for lease. 

AirRated's AirScore D&O certification evaluates key IAQ parameters – Particulates, Inorganic Gases, Organic Gases, Carbon Dioxide, Humidity and Temperature – based on rigorous scientific research and industry best practices. 

Sarah O’Connell, Assistant Portfolio Manager of the Orchard Street Social & Environmental Impact Partnership commented: “It’s a fantastic achievement for the Impact Fund to have delivered the UK’s first AirScore certification for an industrial asset. It is testament to Orchard Street’s commitment to delivering positive and measurable change beyond market norms and embedding stringent ESG standards at the core of its Impact strategy.”

 Dr Claudia Castro Faccetti, Head of Research and Product Development at AirRated says: "Indoor air quality is no longer a 'nice-to-have' but a necessity for forward-thinking organisations. We commend Orchard Street’s commitment to setting a high standard and leading by example in creating healthier workplaces."

Orchard Street’s Social and Environmental Impact Partnership (the “Fund”) targets value-add real estate investment opportunities which offer the potential to generate a measurable social and environmental impact, via the decarbonisation of buildings, investing in local communities, and improving the health and wellbeing of building users and the local population.

Internal air quality is growing in importance across all building types, as businesses and tenants prioritise purpose-built environments that support health and productivity. Enhanced air quality has been linked to significant improvements in cognitive performance and decision-making capabilities, with studies suggesting productivity gains of up to 11% due to better air quality. A recent AirRated survey showed that 83% of decision-makers would be willing to pay a premium for buildings certified as healthy. With climate change and air pollution posing major health threats, AirRated's AirScore D&O celebrates organisations that go above and beyond in fostering spaces/or buildings that benefit both people and the environment.