ESG & Sustainability at City Apartments, built-in
Sustainability has always been part of how we operate - long before it became a formal requirement.
Today, it remains firmly at the forefront of both our own approach and that of our clients, many of whom are placing increasing importance on carbon reduction across their travel policies and supply chains. It’s no longer just a consideration, but a shared responsibility.
Built into how we work
City Apartments has always operated within a very small area of London - the financial district known as the City, or the Square Mile.
That focus has shaped how we run the business.
For our guests, it means most workplaces are within walking distance. It’s always been convenient - no reliance on taxis or the underground - but it now also plays an important role in reducing the carbon footprint of business travel.
The same applies to how we operate day to day.
Because our buildings are all located within close proximity, our team doesn’t rely on company vehicles. Instead, they move between properties on foot, with supplies delivered using trolleys and bicycles. It’s a simple approach, but one that has always kept our environmental impact lower.
Thoughtful buildings and systems
Over the years, our buildings have been refurbished to incorporate more sustainable technologies and methods.
These include:
- central lighting kill switches
- solar pre-heating of water
- comprehensive insulation and double glazing
- full rollout of LED lighting
- eco-friendly heating and cooling systems
- a strict and continuously evolving recycling programme
Together, these measures underpin how we manage our relationship with the environment - quietly, but consistently.
Working with the right partners
We’ve also taken care to work with suppliers who share the same approach.
Across our apartments, this includes:
- carbon-neutral toilet paper from Serious Tissues
- toiletries from L’Occitane, a certified B Corp brand
- recyclable, reusable water cartons from Carton Water
- coffee from Old Spike Roastery, a social enterprise supporting employment and training to help reduce homelessness, and planting a tree for every bag sold
Our energy is also sourced from renewable providers - an important step in reducing our overall impact.
Raising the standard
More recently, we’ve made a conscious effort to partner with B Corp certified businesses wherever possible.
This includes:
- Guarantee Laundry, who supply and service our bed linen and towels
- Delphis Eco, a multi-award-winning and sustainability-accredited cleaning products company
- L’Occitane, our toiletries partner
It’s a natural extension of how we’ve always worked - choosing partners carefully, and prioritising long-term responsibility over short-term gain.
Looking ahead
We continue to work closely with our clients and supply partners to ensure we’re moving in the right direction - practically, consistently, and with purpose.
This is not about making bold claims. It’s about doing things properly, every day, and improving where we can.
As part of that commitment, we’re now preparing to begin our own journey towards B Corp accreditation - formalising the standards we’ve been working towards for many years.
It’s a considered next step, and one we’re looking forward to sharing.
