MERLIN Properties Annual Report 2024

76 | Annual report | 2024 MANAGEMENT OF PROPERTIES IN OPERATION MERLIN employs strategies based on continuous supervision and proactive management of consumption when operating its assets. It takes measures and works closely with tenants and operators to optimise consumption and minimise adverse effects on the sustainability of its assets. In addition, it uses sustainability criteria to evaluate its suppliers and recognised sustainability performance measurement systems to certify its assets. The operational phase is where MERLIN has the most scope for action, so the Group concentrates its efforts on maximising the inclusion of sustainability aspects in that phase. The following sustainability initiatives that it has implemented in its portfolio of assets in operation can be highlight at this time: • Monitor the environmental performance of each asset throughout the chain of command, and establish specific action plans on a quarterly basis. • Approve an investment plan for the installation of equipment (lighting, temperature, etc.) that improves asset performance. • Include green clauses to encourage energy efficiency in the tenant’s operations. We count with 160 tenants with the green clause, some leased in more than one asset. • MERLIN is continuing to install photovoltaic panels on assets in its branches of activity (offices, shopping centres, logistics warehouses and Data Centers) as part of the Sun Project intended to position itself as the largest developer of self-generated energy in its sector and an essential player in the energy transition. With the achievement of last year’s targets, the project amounts to 15.6 MW installed, capacity at a total of 10 assets (4 offices, 2 shopping centres, 4 logistics warehouses), which achieves a total self-consumption rate of 5.6%. • Likewise, 100% of MERLIN’s assets under operational control consume renewable electricity with a guarantee of origin certificate. • MERLIN takes different initiatives to optimise material use, reduce waste generation, and manage the generated waste more efficiently in an effort to improve the circular economy of its assets . All assets (offices and shopping centres) therefore have waste sorting systems. MERLIN’s main objective in operating its assets is to have photovoltaic panels installed at 100% of its assets (1) . (1) This commitment applies to those assets where installation is feasible based on the technical and/or structural characteristics of the assets.