UK built environment research centre BRE and Shanghai International Shipping Services Centre (SISSC), a Chinese state owned developer, have signed an agreement designed to promote and grow sustainable construction in China.
The first project the partners will collaborate on is the SISSC’s £4bn flagship commercial marina development on the Huangpu River. Comprised of offices, retail, hotels and other amenities, the latest phase of buildings to be constructed on the site will be designed to BREEAM, Europe’s leading environmental standard, alongside the Chinese Three Star Green Building Standard.
Other existing commercial stock in Shanghai owned by SISSC will be reviewed under the BREEAM-In-Use sustainability standard which allows existing buildings to measure and improve performance.
At the signing in BRE’s head office in Watford earlier today, Managing Director of SISSC, Mr He said: ‘After the signing of this agreement we hope more British companies will join us on the project. When we complete the marina development in 5 years time, it will one of the most green and sustainable projects in the world - a great global advert for BREEAM'.
Both parties will work together to attract UK companies to establish a base in the Shanghai development who represent the best of British construction in terms of sustainable design, technology and building products. These companies can then share and develop their built environment expertise across one of the world’s largest growth economies. The development will also service the needs of the Shanghai commercial shipping sector.
BRE Group CEO Dr Peter Bonfield said: "We are pleased to have this opportunity to work alongside and learn from our Chinese colleagues and to facilitate bi-lateral trade that benefits both countries. Our new relationship will also provide a strong platform for UK companies to demonstrate their world leading expertise, products and technologies in China."
The agreement marks the development of a long term relationship between BRE and SISSC.
