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British Land, Europe's largest property company, has pledged its intention to become carbon neutral by 2008/2009. The carbon neutral drive will include an investment in renewable sources of energy and carbon offsetting.

Low-energy or carbon neutral technologies under consideration include wind turbines, solar panels and combined heat, power and cooling systems.

British Land said it would continuing to manage and reduce direct emmissions. Existing carbon neutral initiatives at British Land have already reduced energy usuage by 4% and water by 16% cross its portfolio in landlord controlled areas.

The biggest change has been seen at British Land's London office portfolio, primarily as a result of energy management activities at the 12 hectare Broadgate Estate in the City. Meadowhall Shopping Centre, one of British Land's biggest assets, also reduced energy consumption by 11%.

Stephen Hester, chief executive of British Land, said: "Sustainabilty has been at the heart of our operational principles and establishing British Land as a carbon neutral company does not signal a change in strategy, but an acceleration. We are taking an activist approach, stepping up existing efforts and aim to lead the market in developing and managing buildings in a sustainable manner."

As part of a wider corporate responsibilty agenda other projects undertaken at British Land include collection of energy data, sustainable design of buildings, rainwater harvesting, waste and water management and feasibilty studies into alternative energy sources.

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