The project, resulting from a strategic partnership with Mota-Engil Renewing, was presented at the end of last week.
Forum Castelo Branco will reduce its energy consumption from the electrical grid by about 40% through the installation of a photovoltaic park with a total capacity of 512 kWp. This energy reduction will prevent the production of approximately 318 tons/year of CO2, equivalent to the annual consumption of 152 families.
In addition to reducing energy consumption from the grid, made possible through the installation of 940 photovoltaic panels, the project also aims to promote electric mobility for the customers of the shopping centre managed by Cushman & Wakefield and owned by a fund managed by Square Asset Management. With the implementation of six charging stations, which add to the existing two, the available power for EVs will be multiplied by 7. Additionally, to ensure greater comfort and convenience for visitors, 200 covered parking spaces have been created.
The project, inaugurated at the end of last week, reinforces Forum Castelo Branco's commitment and responsibility in ESG matters, particularly in reducing its carbon footprint, and results from a partnership with Mota-Engil Renewing, responsible for the PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) contract and also for its long-term operation.
“Given the location of this installation, close to the border with Spain, Forum Castelo Branco becomes a strategic electric charging point, of great convenience, for those making regular or occasional trips between the two countries,” comments Nuno Costa, manager of the Forum Castelo Branco Shopping Centre.
He adds that “this project is a milestone in Forum Castelo Branco's ESG strategy and represents a clear commitment by its owners to decarbonisation, energy transition, and the sustainability of their assets, as well as strengthening the offer of the electric vehicle charging network as a pillar of greener mobility.”
For Luís Castanheira, CEO of Mota-Engil Renewing:
“Completing this project brings us enormous satisfaction and reflects our commitment to modernising infrastructures and boosting the energy transition. This partnership allows us to create synergies that generate direct benefits for the entire Forum Castelo Branco community, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient future."
Nuno Nunes, CIO of Square Asset Management, the fund manager of CA Património Crescente, considers that “this project demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and creating long-term value for our investors. We are proud to contribute to a greener and more prosperous future for the Castelo Branco region."
The commitment to environmental preservation was also demonstrated by planting 15 cypress trees to compensate for the necessary removal of some trees in the parking lot, to allow for the installation of the photovoltaic panels.
Owned by the CA Património Crescente fund and Imoretalho, Forum Castelo Branco has a gross leasable area of 18,300 m² distributed over two floors, currently hosting 75 stores, with notable national and international brands such as Worten, Sportzone, H&M, and Pingo Doce.
