Episode 111: Swords Pavilions’ ESG Journey: A Beacon of Green Innovation - Ian Hunter

AIBF Business Talk

On this week's edition of AIBF Business Talk, we are joined by Ian Hunter, General Manager of Swords Pavilions Shopping Centre in Dublin, which has made a significant mark by integrating sustainability and partnership-building into the heart of their retail success story.

With over two decades in business and 101 tenants, including renowned retailers like SuperValu, Zara, TK Maxx, H&M, River Island, Next, and an 11-screen cinema, Swords Pavilions caters to around 10.5 million customers each year. Ian's primary focus is on providing an exceptional customer experience, fostering a sense of unity among his team, and nurturing partnerships.

🌿 Environmental sustainability is a core value for Ian and his team. They embarked on an innovative ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) journey by retrofitting the 500,000-square-foot building. They started with replacing 4,000 light fittings with LED lighting, resulting in a 35% reduction in energy consumption.

🌞 Building on this success, they initiated solar PV projects on the expansive roof, generating up to 45% of their power consumption from solar energy. Additionally, they decommissioned 23 gas-fired air handling units and adopted natural ventilation, eliminating the need for gas, making Swords Pavilions the first gas-free centre in their portfolio.

💨 The team's ambitious future plan involves constructing a wind farm on the roof, aiming to achieve a first-of-its-kind initiative in Ireland.

🤝 Ian emphasises the significance of partnerships with trusted companies, which ensures the success of their sustainability initiatives. He encourages businesses to make upfront investments in environmental projects, citing the long-term ROI and the responsibility to contribute to net-zero carbon goals.

🛒 In the world of retail, Ian's advice is to step back and view the customer journey objectively, stay informed about industry developments, and maintain a positive attitude while striving to make a continuous impact on the business.

🎧Tune in now to hear how Ian Hunter and his team at Swords Pavilions Shopping Centre are setting a remarkable example of integrating sustainability and partnership-building into the heart of their retail success story.

The AIBF accredits the Business All-Star mark to Best-In-Class Irish businesses based on an independent audit of their performance, reputation, and customer-centricity.

The AIBF is an independent national body that identifies and acknowledges the country’s most ambitious and visionary businesses.