Eldon Square, Newcastle’s premier shopping and leisure destination, has announced its new Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) policy, with a raft of demonstrable achievements from 2025.
The new policy framework outlines how Eldon Square is embedding sustainability, social value and transparent governance across its operations, partnerships and future investment decisions -with a focus on measurable progress and collaboration.
The ESG strategy framework forms part of a milestone year for the retail destination with the largest single-site F&B and entertainment venue in a UK city centre, Freight Island, set to open in 2026. This development, when combined with a future-facing leasing strategy, will deliver a markedly enhanced visitor experience.
Delivering measurable environmental impact
Eldon Square has already made significant progress in reducing its environmental footprint. In 2025, 100% of the 808 tonnes of waste collected was diverted from landfill, with 35% recycled directly and the remainder converted into energy – enough to power 26 homes for a year. This has resulted in approximately 43,000kg of CO₂ emissions saved, equivalent to planting 150 trees, as reported by its energy supplier.
Water conservation is a key priority, with a 90% reduction in tap water usage achieved through the installation of water-saving fixtures and smart water management technology. Energy efficiency improvements include 48,000+ kWh saved following upgrades to mall dome lighting, while 80% of front-of-house and common areas are now fitted with LED lighting, with further upgrades planned.
To strengthen data accuracy and performance tracking, Eldon Square has rolled out Automated Meter Reading (AMR) across landlord meters, of which the whole site will be complete in 2026, and utilise a Building Management System (BMS) that provides real-time energy insights, with projected savings of 20–30% in energy costs.
Circular economy and biodiversity
A circular economy approach underpins Eldon Square’s waste strategy, supported by improved segregation, on-site recycling balers and telemetry-enabled waste compactors to reduce unnecessary collections and emissions. The centre has also introduced chewing gum recycling, saving over £6,000 in cleaning costs and more than 487 working hours.
What’s more, Eldon Square is working with specialist partners to support urban biodiversity. Initiatives include collaboration with local wildlife trusts to create wildlife and pollinator habitatsand involvement in the Blue-Green Newcastle initiative1. Looking ahead, a Carbon Reduction Feasibility Study will help inform future emissions targets and investment priorities.
Social value, partnerships and governance
With over 4,000 people employed across Eldon Square and its brand partners, the centre plays a significant role in the regional economy. It has delivered over £110,000 in social value, including donated mall space through its Community Quarter Programme, in-kind laptop donations and charity fundraising.
A structured Tenant Engagement Programme supports the centre’s ESG ambitions, with tenant handbooks, ESG forums and the introduction of green lease clauses encouraging shared responsibility across the estate.
Strong governance underpins the strategy, with all directly employed staff and third-party contractors paid at least the UK Real Living Wage. Eldon Square operates a comprehensive governance framework and holds ISO 14001 certification for environmental management. It has also exceeded its EPC target, with 95% of units rated EPC ‘C’ or above.
Looking ahead
Eldon Square’s ESG policy is designed to evolve, with clear ambitions to increase recycling rates, expand biodiversity initiatives, continue energy and infrastructure upgrades, and work towards BREEAM certification.
Helen Cowie, centre director at Eldon Square, commented: “We’ve made significant progress in 2025, delivering measurable improvements that we can be genuinely proud of. With insights gleaned from last year, we’re looking forward to continuing to build long-term, meaningful impact in 2026, as we head into a transformative year for the centre.”
