Quorum Park has pledged to donate 10% of the revenue it generates from customers who use its new meeting room and conference facilities at Q11, and those at NEON, to global whale conservation as part of its sustainability commitments and supporting the fight against climate change.
Up to £3,000 is expected to be raised this year by the initiative as people take advantage of the new facilities, contributing towards the whale saving initiative in the process. The move follows a six-figure investment to upgrade services and provide more collaborative workspace for both current occupiers and external organisations by the park’s owners and reflect their commitment to protect the environment.
The two Rimba and Raya meeting rooms have been named after the Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve Project, an initiative designed to cut carbon emissions to preserve Indonesian rainforest. These have been specifically designed to complement the building’s existing features and come as Quorum’s continues to attract new occupiers looking to take advantage of the central location and great access to local services and transport links.
Laura McGrath, events and sustainability lead, said Quorum Park is taking a lead in sustainability initiatives as it works toward a net zero carbon future. She added: “At Quorum we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and financially supporting whale conservation – it’s one of the most effective methods of carbon offsetting available on the planet.
“Clients who use our new rooms will be pleased to know that they are helping to conserve magnificent creatures, who are a vital part of the global marine eco-system, supporting plant life on the surface. It’s interesting to know that whale movements help suppress carbon emissions from the seabed while also supporting ecosystems on the top of the water.”
Whales absorb large amounts of carbon in their bodies and during the lifetime of the average whale, which is 60 years, it will absorb 33 tons of CO2. In comparison, a tree absorbs up to 48 pounds of CO2 each year. Whales also promote the growth of phytoplankton, which captures 40% of the world’s CO2 and contributes at least 50% of oxygen to the atmosphere.
Tamma Carel, director at environmental consultancy Imvelo, which has been working closely with Quorum Park to help it meet its sustainability goals, added: “Ecosystem services are defined as ‘natural processes that make human life both possible and worth living’.
“Trophic cascades are ecological processes, where each species is necessary for to maintain these ecosystems and nutrient cycling, which is what keeps us alive. Therefore, a focus on whale conservation ensures that ocean ecosystems are able to operate at their best, to mitigate the impacts of climate change”.
Quorum Park offices meet the requirements of a post lockdown returning workforce with space that can be adapted as technology evolves, working patterns change and personnel come and go. Contact reception@quorumpark.com for more information on our Q11 meeting facilities.
