Coldharbour Lane, Aylesford

The built environment is responsible for about 37% of all carbon emissions globally. So improving energy efficiency is of the most important factors in achieving Net Zero carbon emissions.

Meanwhile the rise in e-commerce – accelerated by the pandemic – has driven greater investment in urban and last-mile logistics; and factors such as use diversification and re-shoring are helping to sustain demand.

So low-carbon logistics facilities are becoming increasingly attractive to organisations as a way to meet consumer demand, cut operating costs, accelerate their own Net Zero journey by reducing emissions, and future-proof their real estate portfolio against incoming regulation.

Bridges completed the purchase in 2022 of a prime site adjacent to Junction 6 of the M20, after receipt of planning consent for 300,000 sq. ft. of industrial/logistics development comprising six units. Construction is now underway, with practical completion expected in 2024.

The scheme is designed to BREEAM “Excellent”, EPC A+ and Net Zero Carbon specification. It incorporates over 1,500 sqm. of photovoltaic cells and is expected to future-proof occupants against energy price inflation, saving costs as well as CO2 emissions.

The site, which has been vacant for many years, will support around 200 jobs on-site for one year during construction, and approximately 430 jobs once it is fully operational.