BIODIVERSITY
RETAIL THAT REVITALIZES
COUNTY DURHAM, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM
Shopping sustainably goes beyond what you buy. This outlet shopping center in County Durham, England, shows shopping centers around the world how nature, local quality of life and retail can work together.
What's
changing
In an area transitioning from coal mining, environmental restoration was needed to counteract damage caused by decades of colliery waste products. At the same time, residents needed economic opportunities to thrive.
What's already
possible
Dalton Park Outlet & Outdoors, the largest outlet shopping destination in the northeast of England focuses on rehabilitating the environment in this region of County Durham. It offers job-skills training and employment opportunities to the community.
Seizing
the opportunity
The project first gained momentum in 1998 when nearly 4,000 people signed a petition to turn the idea of rejuvenating the area’s jobs and landscape into reality. The first phase of the project involved clearing the colliery waste area, also known as a slag heap, and beginning construction. Since its opening in 2003, the location expanded multiple times and now includes a cinema and an accessible playground complete with wheelchair-accessible equipment. Pollinator gardens next to major retailers rehabilitate the environment and teach people how they can do the same at home.
Standout
tactic
More than 600,000 cubic meters (785,000 cubic yards) of coal mining waste were excavated during construction. Builders moved the waste across the road to create a parkland with hills and valleys that support multiple ecosystems. Recycled organic waste enriched the colliery shale, so colonies of woodlands, wetlands and wildflower meadows could be established.
How
it helps
Aside from the boost to the nearby ecosystems, Dalton Park offers local employment opportunities to serve an increasing number of visitors. In 2024, 4 million people are expected to visit the complex.
Diving
deeper
Dalton Park is home to world-famous brands. What are some ways that sustainable shopping areas can encourage their tenants to consider Scope 3 emissions in what they sell and ensure supply chain transparency?
Increasing
impact
Dalton Park has millions of visitors annually. Imagine the reduction in carbon footprint if they all could arrive by low-carbon or carbon-free modes of transportation.
Traveling
better
Travel is inherently carbon intensive. Whether you are taking a mini-break or an annual vacation, consider ways to minimize your impact by staying longer in one place, reconsidering how you travel to the destination, and supporting businesses that are working to make their community and the world a better place.
