Autonomous Investments Properties will expand its commercial property portfolio in the South West and invest in large-scale decarbonisation works with the backing of a new loan from Triodos Bank UK.
The firm is a subsidiary of Autonomous Investments, which was founded in 2008 and has an ethos of creating positive societal change and operating sustainably.
As well as acquiring new commercial properties, the loan from Triodos will be used to refinance an entire street of industrial spaces owned by Autonomous Investment Properties at Bristol’s Skyline Park and enable investment in large-scale decarbonisation works at a number of its assets, aiding the move towards its net zero goals. The units already have eco-spec upgrades but part of the Triodos lending will be used to upgrade these further, while decarbonisation measures will involve installing insulation, solar power and intelligent building management.
Autonomous Investment Properties aims to attain a level A3 Energy Performance Certificate rating at these properties.
The financing also enabled the purchase of the Grade II listed Stable Block at Leigh Court, Bristol, where decarbonisation and modernisation work will be carried out in a way that ensures the building’s heritage is maintained and celebrated.
Johnny Palmer is owner and sole director of Autonomous Investments Properties. He said: “Autonomous Investments Properties focuses on creating an environment where people can thrive, ethical businesses can grow and to be a catalyst for sustainable innovation in property.
“The funding from Triodos will help us to demonstrate what can be done practically to improve standard commercial property and its impact on the net zero agenda.
“For example, at Skyline Park we’ve already built Bristol’s largest off-grid power station and completely removed the gas supply from the largest facility there by investing in renewables including solar and air source heat pumps.”
Phillip Bate, Business Banking Team Leader at Triodos Bank, added: “We’re proud to support a company that’s doing such great work to improve energy efficiency and tackle decarbonisation in the commercial property sector. By showing what’s possible to achieve within the constraints of a building’s original construction, while remaining commercially viable, we hope Autonomous Property Investments will provide a strong example for others to follow.”
