Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword anymore – it’s a way of life, and the luxury serviced apartment sector is embracing it wholeheartedly. As we move through 2025, London and the UK are seeing a significant shift towards greener, more responsible living. From eco-conscious business travellers to major corporations aiming to lower their carbon footprint, demand for sustainable accommodation is at an all-time high. At The Residence Apartments, we’re not just following trends – we’re setting them.

Thoughtful Design and Green Operations

Sustainability starts at the foundation. Developers and operators are prioritising environmentally responsible construction and daily operations. This means using sustainable materials, opting for energy-efficient systems, reducing waste, and favouring retrofitting over new builds. Certifications like BREEAM and LEED ensure buildings meet the highest sustainability standards, while switching to 100% renewable energy and more efficient heating systems dramatically cuts emissions.

At The Residence Apartments, we take our environmental impact seriously. Our properties have high EPC ratings, with several holding green certifications. In 2023 we’ve earned accreditation from Planet Mark, underscoring our commitment to sustainable business practices. By measuring our carbon footprint through the GHG Protocol – covering Scope 1, 2, and core Scope 3 emissions – we’re dedicated to reducing emissions by at least 5% annually. Our commitment doesn’t stop at certifications. Across all properties, we’ve installed LED lighting, introduced energy-efficient appliances, and increasingly source our energy from 100% renewable energy providers.

The Rise of ESG-Focused Accommodation

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles are reshaping the serviced apartment sector. Today’s leading companies – from tech giants like Google and Meta to finance powerhouses – are prioritising sustainable travel options. They’re looking for accommodation that aligns with their corporate sustainability goals, and serviced apartments are stepping up to the challenge.

By integrating ESG values into our operations, The Residence Apartments ensures that business travellers can enjoy luxury stays without compromising their sustainability commitments. Whether it’s reducing waste, optimising energy use, or partnering with ethical suppliers, we’re making sustainability a seamless part of the guest experience. Additionally, by aligning with the UK National TOMs framework for assessing social value, we ensure a well-rounded, responsible and ethical approach to sustainability in our value chain.

Bringing the Outdoors In – The Power of Green Spaces

Who doesn’t love a bit of greenery? More and more serviced apartments are weaving nature into their design – from rooftop gardens to indoor plant installations. It’s not just about aesthetics; green spaces improve air quality, boost mental well-being, and create a calming atmosphere for residents.

At The Residence Apartments, we’re incorporating green spaces into our properties, making urban living feel more connected to nature. From sprucing up our interiors with plants to supporting rooftop garden projects, we’re bringing the outside in – one leaf at a time.

Supporting Local Communities

Sustainability isn’t just about the environment – it’s about people, too. That’s why we’re passionate about supporting local businesses. From recommending local cafes and boutiques to our guests to sourcing services from local suppliers, we believe in keeping communities thriving.

Beyond business, we’re actively involved in volunteering and donation projects. Through partnerships with organisations like the Eden Project, JUST ONE TREE and Early Career Foundation, we’re making a tangible impact – including planting a tree for every reservation made. Staying with us means supporting a business that gives back.

Smart Tech for a Greener Future

Technology is playing a huge role in driving sustainability, and serviced apartments are embracing it in full force. Smart energy management systems, water-saving fixtures, and AI-driven heating controls are becoming the norm, ensuring that energy isn’t wasted and guests can enjoy their stay guilt-free.

At The Residence Apartments, we’re leveraging smart technology to cut emissions and improve efficiency. From intelligent thermostats that adjust based on occupancy to water-efficient appliances, we’re using innovation to make sustainability effortless.

Transparency in Sustainability Reporting

With sustainability regulations tightening, businesses are under increasing pressure to be transparent about their impact. The EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the UK’s Energy Savings Opportunities Scheme (ESOS) and Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) ensure that large organisations track, report, and improve their environmental performance.

Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)

In the EU, the CSRD mandates large organisations and listed companies to monitor, report, and audit their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts. Companies meeting two of the following criteria must comply:

• Net turnover of €40 million or more
• Balance sheet assets of €20 million or more
• 250+ employees

The directive also applies to EU and non-EU companies with securities listed on an EU-regulated market and non-EU companies with an annual EU net turnover exceeding €150 million. Compliance requires organisations to:

• Align disclosures with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS)
• Report double materiality
• Provide audited sustainability data
• Report ESG metrics, including carbon emissions, biodiversity impact, diversity, inclusion, and human rights
• Disclose forward-looking information, such as business risks, opportunities related to climate change, and transition plans

Energy Savings Opportunities Scheme (ESOS)

In the UK, ESOS requires large organisations to measure energy consumption, identify significant energy users, and develop action plans for efficiencies. Mandatory annual reviews began in 2023. Organisations must comply if they meet one of the following criteria:

• Employ 250 or more people
• Have a turnover of £44 million and a balance sheet total of £38 million

How to Comply:

• Calculate total energy consumption
• Identify significant energy consumption areas, covering at least 95% of total energy use
• Calculate energy intensity ratios for buildings, transport, and industrial processes
• Determine compliance routes
• Conduct ESOS energy audits for owned or leased properties
• Complete the ESOS report and distribute it within the corporate group
• Notify the Environment Agency of compliance

Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR)

SECR encourages organisations to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. As regulations evolve, stricter compliance measures, such as mandatory Scope 3 reporting, may be required. Proactive compliance offers cost savings, competitive advantage, and industry leadership in the net-zero transition.

Who Must Comply:

Quoted companies of any size already subject to mandatory greenhouse gas reporting

Large unquoted companies and LLPs meeting at least two of these criteria in a reporting year:

1. Turnover: £36 million+
2. Balance sheet: £18 million+
3. Employees: 250+

How to Comply:

• Include reports in the annual financial report (e.g., Directors’ Report) and submit them to Companies House
• Reporting runs from 1st April to 31st March

Required Data:

• Annual Scope 1 & 2 emissions (e.g., fuel combustion, purchased electricity)
• Scope 3 emissions (voluntary but recommended)
• Global energy use
• Previous year’s energy and emissions data
• At least one intensity ratio
• Energy efficiency actions taken
• Methodology used
• External verification (voluntary but recommended)

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol

The GHG Protocol is the global standard for carbon footprint measurement. Compliance can be either legally required in certain jurisdictions or voluntarily adopted to align with industry standards. Organisations must:

• Define organisational boundaries
• Determine which entities to include in emissions inventory
• Classify emissions by scope (1, 2, and 3)
• Quantify emissions using reliable tools and methodologies
• Report and verify emissions by publishing a GHG inventory report and seeking third-party verification

International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)

The IFRS has developed globally recognised standards for sustainability disclosures in financial reporting. These standards are replacing the Taskforce for Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) in many jurisdictions and are being adopted worldwide. Publicly listed organisations, large private companies, and financially regulated businesses are generally required to comply.

How to Comply:

• Establish an IFRS framework by updating data sources, processes, and controls for climate and sustainability-related data
• Conduct an impact assessment on financial reporting by comparing current practices with IFRS requirements
• Develop a transition plan outlining emission reduction strategies, actions, timelines, and milestones
• Engage auditors to verify the accuracy and compliance of financial statements
• Report and disclose financial statements

At The Residence Apartments, we take sustainability reporting seriously. As part of the AES Experiential Learning and Living report, we align with evolving industry standards and guest expectations. Check out The Residence Apartments ESG  to see our report and certifications. Transparency is key to accountability, and we’re committed to shaping a future where luxury and responsibility go hand in hand.

The Future of Sustainable Luxury

Sustainable living doesn’t mean compromising on comfort – it means enhancing it. As the luxury serviced apartment sector continues to evolve, sustainability will remain at the heart of everything we do. At The Residence Apartments, we’re excited to be leading the way, proving that luxury and eco-conscious living can go hand in hand.

Whether you’re a business traveller, a long-term guest, or a corporation looking for sustainable accommodation, The Residence Apartments is your home away from home – where elegance meets responsibility. Together, we’re shaping a greener, more sustainable future for luxury living in London and beyond.