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.
About the All-Ireland Business Foundation
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.
Business All-Star Accreditation Is The Nation’s Symbol Of Trust.
To learn more about Swords Pavilions Shopping Centre, visit their All-Star showcase page.
