DAILY REPORT • WEDNESDAY, 19 SEPTEMBER 2007

Moderator:
Philip Tidd, Managing Director, DEGW UK LTD
Speakers:
Scott Anderson, Development Manager, Meridian Delta Ltd
Chris Hiatt, Director, Jones Lang LaSalle
Susie Wilson, Community Development Manager, Greenwich Peninsula (MDL), Lend Lease Linda Lees, Director, Creative Cities International LLC

This session provided a glimpse behind the scenes of a number of high-profile local developments for a perspective on how multi-use developments become successful - and how that success is determined by looking well beyond structures alone.

"This is one of the most important sessions" opened Moderator Philip Tidd, Managing Director, DEGW, "as the impact on the communities and places we build is more important than just our buildings."

Each speaker contributed to a 360° view of evaluating the pre-build community, addressing needs throughout the build phase and then continuing to deliver, in a long-term commitment, a successful multi-use development for the community.

With specific focus on Greenwich Peninsula, London's first sustainability-focused development of scale, panelists discussed the key components of truly understanding that people - labour, residents, corporate employees and visitors - will be the true measure of success of Greenwich Peninsula.

Chris Hiatt, Director, Jones Lang LaSalle, indicated the 20-year commitment of Jones Lang LaSalle is only one component to their dedication to making this development a success. Working together with innovative partners, Land Lease, English Partnerships and Quintain Estates & Development, a strong master plan is the roadmap for bringing this development to life.

Looking at the physical layout of Greenwich Peninsula, finding touch- or engagement-points with the river was critical as was carving-out distinct districts for Living (10,000 residences), Working (3.5 square miles of commercial space) Learning (schools and university) and Playing (former Millennium dome); with the goal of the latter propelling Greenwich Peninsula to become London's premier entertainment venue.

Regarding sustainability of Greenwich Peninsula, three priorities were discussed including:
- Baseline - regeneration of land, creating an underpinning of transportation links (bus, train, ferry). In addition, including social sustainability needs in this infrastructure category such as schools, nurseries and healthcare facilities is critical. In sum, establishing the basics for creature comforts, ease of access, social and health needs.
- Commitment - long-term sustainability measures are also being put into place such as green roofs and establishing criteria to ensure Greenwich Peninsula becomes London's first low-emissions zone.
- Aspirations - Always with an eye to the future, developers look to increasing efficiency in the energy infrastructure, renewable energy resources, increased water self-sufficiency (rainwater harvesting) and waste reduction.

Adding the critical pre- and post-build evaluation of the community needs, Susie Wilson, Community Development Manager, Lend Lease, discussed the significant work being done to maximize community relations and to build not only structures, but to also build commitment from community members. With a variety of examples from Greenwich Peninsula to Bluewater to Touchwater, to Elephant Castle, utilization of similar strategies have been put into place.

One such strategy is providing employment recruitment and training for development employees. In addition to job-specific training, providing for employee emotional well being is critical, and includes pastoral care and establishing a sense of security for employees, residents and workers. To date, thousands of workers have been successfully trained and thousands of children have taken schools programs in communities where Land Lease has put community-based programs into place - including Greenwich Peninsula.

Adding to the training and services provided for elements of daily life, Linda Lees of Creative Cities International addressed the need to understand, embrace and encourage important cultural elements of a community to see a development truly thrive. "The human element is what animates cities," said Ms. Lees in the opening of her presentation. Executing Cultural Impact Studies or creating a Vitality Index and executing accordingly is critical to success to ensure community compatibility and that a development will thrive.

Because "culture is the oxygen of cities" Ms. Lees added, ensuring the opportunity for exchange and engagement within the community will help ensure significant efforts to build multi-use communities result in a healthy, thriving community.

DAILY REPORT • WEDNESDAY, 19 SEPTEMBER 2007

"How important is global climate change to each of you and at what point will you personally and professionally draw a line in the sand and make the choice to take action?" challenged keynote Pen Hadow of the London Summit delegation.

After giving us a glimpse of his record-breaking, trial-ridden expedition to a shrinking Arctic ice cap, and based on the resounding strength of audience applause, it appears he successfully made a compelling case for action.

In building his case, Hadow took us along his distinctly unique journey to the North Pole. Apparently 85% of all expeditions fail, so this was a treat to hear from one of the few who has actually succeeded. Hadow's journey was 500 miles and 75 days long, in -45 degree temperatures, and over snow, ice and across open water. And Hadow did it alone.

Upon reaching the pole, he expressed his utter relief and freedom from his obsession - an interesting juxtaposition to other successful explorers who have felt much less. "Anyone who says their achievement is anticlimactic, didn't set themselves a high-enough goal," Hadow added, giving delegates an important lesson to bring home, to the office, to the boardroom, to volunteer efforts, and to friends and colleagues.

Another important lesson with real-world application (at least for those who will not see the North Pole anytime soon) came at a point in his journey when he felt he was getting close to his life-long goal. At day 42, he made what could have been a potentially fatal decision. He lost sight of his plan and carefully considered approach in a hostile environment. He pushed too hard and safety became an afterthought - a critical path error that could have cost him his life. Falling through the ice in the arctic has potentially un-recoverable implications and Hadow was lucky to have survived. Proving once again that the important decisions don't come lightly, and they don't come without potential ramifications.

Hadow also discussed that individuals should not be deterred by making personal choices on sustainability despite the fact that the big impact decisions - such as population-related and supply/demand issues often resolved militarily - are out of their hands. But as 80% of the ice cap can be gone in the next 15 years, Hadow encouraged immediate action, as temperatures, CO2 concentration and sea level will continue to rise long after emissions are reduced.

As a stirring conclusion to one of the most successful CoreNet Global European Summits to date, Pen Hadow challenged us all. And, based on the past two days discussing successful workplace sustainability strategies, CoreNet Global Summit delegation is addressing this challenge head on.