Supporting the
environmental
transition
Better Places Certification
At Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW), we have a long-standing tradition of collaborating with local stakeholders and the cities that host our centers. Together, we are committed to a path of sustainability that encompasses both environmental stewardship and conscious consumption. To evaluate and track our progress, we created the Better Places Certification: a specialized tool designed to help our shopping centers minimize their environmental footprint and drive meaningful social change. The certification is based on 96 criteria, accounting for a broad range of indicators—from water usage to local job creation. While all our centers are rated on a scale from A to E, the score itself is only the starting point. Every center follows a long-term sustainability roadmap, aiming to improve its rating through continuous advancements in environmental efficiency and by fostering a positive impact on the daily lives of local communities.
Continuously improving sustainability at our destinations
WasteOur destinations implement waste-sorting and recycling programmes and work to continuously reduce the volume of waste they produce. Visitors and tenants are encouraged to sort and recycle their own waste, and we strive to send no waste to the landfill by the end of 2025, and reach 70% of recycling rate by 2030.
Sustainable RetailWe support the sustainable evolution of our retailers’ offer via the Sustainable Retail Index. This index provides insights into the progress of performance and the commitments of retailers in their sustainable transition efforts. Through initiatives such as the Westfield Good Festival, we promote more sustainable experiences and support circular consumption. Learn more about the SRI!
Existing CertificationsMany of our destinations already have existing certifications that rate the performance of their buildings and activities, such as BREEAM-in-Use, Energy Performance Certificates and health & safety scores.
WaterThe amount of water each shopping centre uses is carefully monitored to find ways for continuous improvement. All centres are given targets to reduce their water usage and tasked to find alternative sources, such as collecting rainwater for nourishing plants or flushing toilets.
BiodiversityWe take action to protect and support biodiversity in our assets by setting up a biodiversity action plan, using eco-labelled cleaning, maintenance and phytosanitary-free gardening products, as well as increasing biodiversity-friendly areas on site.
Health, Safety & ComfortAs part of the Better Places Certification, the air quality of each of our centres is tested and analysed. Air quality in indoor areas is monitored to ensure it complies with all health and safety standards. 
MobilityThe transportation used by our visitors is a major contributor to our greenhouse gas emissions, so we are implementing solutions to encourage the use of more sustainable mobility. These include the expansion of bike parking, increased access to public transportation, electric vehicle charging points and more.
Energy & ClimateThe energy consumption of each shopping centre is assessed. Centres are tasked with continuously reducing their energy intensity and assessing the likely impacts of climate change on their assets and activities.
Communities & Local SupportOur shopping centres are local hubs, bolstering economic and social vitality, and delivering jobs and skills, social inclusion and health programmes to serve local communities. Each destination is scored on the work it does to support its local community and strives to create a positive impact, from creating jobs to promoting charitable causes, fostering social inclusion and providing access to those living with disabilities.URW Group commits for the environmental transition
We are committed to improve the carbon footprint and environmental efficiency of our assets and operations. We contribute to global carbon neutrality, with a clear priority towards reduction of our greenhouse gas emissions, and we operate an efficient and resilient portfolio that minimises negative impact on resources and the environment.
Energy use50% reduction in energy intensity of shopping centres by 2030 (2).
Emissions90% greenhouse gas emission reduction on Scopes 1 & 2 by 2030. 50% greenhouse gas emission reduction on Scopes 1, 2 & 3 by 2030.
Water conservationReduce water consumption intensity by 20% per footfall by 2030 (2).RecyclingZero waste to landfill by the end of 2025. Recycle 70% of our waste by 2030.Our shopping centre's commitments
BREEAM-In-Use Certification with "Outstanding" ratings (in both Asset Performance and Management Performance), confirming the building's exceptional standards for user-friendliness and environmental impact (5).
Future Goals
To maintain the highest operational performance for our building regarding its impact on the environment and our local community.
We utilize 100% green energy in the common areas of our center. We also employ an intelligent Building Management System (BMS) for the continuous monitoring of ventilation, heating, air conditioning, lighting, and water consumption, allowing us to optimize resource usage.
During the summer, when outdoor temperatures allow, we utilize natural night-time cooling to reduce the energy required for mechanical ventilation and air conditioning during the day. Furthermore, we have implemented 100% LED lighting in common areas, integrated with a smart intensity management system.
Future Goal
To reduce energy intensity by 50% by 2030 (compared to the 2015 baseline).
We harvest rainwater to flush toilets and water the plants throughout the center.
Future Goal
To reduce water consumption by 20% per visitor by 2030.
Greenery is an integral part of our center’s architecture. Portions of the facade–including the parking entrance ramps–are covered by vertical gardens spanning nearly 2,000 m², while Level 2 features green terraces totaling over 4,000 m². Wroclavia is also home to two insect hotels and three bird boxes, providing natural habitats for urban fauna.
Wroclavia provides specialized care for the 300-year-old "Przewodnik" (The Guide) oak, a natural monument standing at the center's entrance. Its maintenance involves expert dendrologists and landscape architects.
Future Goal
To continue collaborating with local partners to enhance biodiversity in the surrounding area.
As part of our sustainability strategy, we recycle at least five waste streams, striving to minimize our environmental footprint.
Additionally, from May to December 2025, in partnership with VIVE Game4Planet, we conducted a used clothing collection, gathering a total of 2,667 kg of garments. This effort effectively offset 5,813 kg of CO₂—the equivalent of 66,054 hours of television viewing.
Future Goal
By 2030, we plan to reduce waste generation by 15%, with 70% of all waste being recycled.
The majority of our visitors (67%) arrive at Wroclavia via public transport or on foot. Wroclavia is one of the most well-connected shopping centers, situated adjacent to the main railway station, numerous tram and bus stops, and cycling paths; it even features an integrated bus terminal.
Customers can access nearly 2,000 parking spaces across four levels. We also facilitate easy cycling access with 400 bicycle parking spaces and a nearby city bike station. The center is equipped with 8 electric vehicle charging stations, allowing up to 16 vehicles to charge simultaneously.
Future Goal
To build a covered bicycle parking area and increase the number of EV charging points to 18 by 2030 (including 6 fast chargers).
Every year, we undergo a Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) audit, confirming our compliance with the highest safety standards for both employees and customers.
Future Goal
To maintain the highest standards of safety and comfort for all customers and staff.
In 2023, 60% of surveyed stores at Wroclavia were classified as "Active," "Advanced," or "Leaders" according to the SRI index (6). To date, we have analyzed 64 tenants in the fashion, sports, jewelry, and accessories sectors. We plan to analyze all our brands by the end of 2027.
Future Goal
To achieve even higher SRI scores through tenant support and their own sustainability initiatives, offering customers an even more sustainable shopping experience.
Learn more about the SRI indicator here.
Wroclavia actively supports the local community through projects that deliver tangible benefits to residents. We collaborate with foundations, educational institutions, local partners, and city authorities to foster well-being and development.
Circular Economy: In 2025, the "Head into the Future" campaign collected 1.6 tons of textiles, which were recycled into eco-friendly furniture for local aid centers.
Youth Support: For over two years, streetworkers and psychologists have been active at Wroclavia, supporting young people through workshops and counseling. In partnership with the Ukraine Foundation, we provide space for year-round Matura (high school exit exam) prep classes.
Community Resilience: Over 500 people annually are covered by our Community Resilience Action Plan.
Charity: Our annual Shoe Drive for those experiencing homelessness set a record in 2025 with 715 pairs collected.
Events: We host community events like the Wroclavia Summer Festival, Earth Day, and "Bicycle May," many of which are held under the Honorary Patronage of the Mayor of Wrocław.
Future Goal
To continue prioritizing the well-being of our customers and residents through sustainable development and socially responsible initiatives.