RSP Properties Ltd, founded in 2013 by twin brothers Scott and Ryan Parkin, has a unique backstory.
The company grew out of their first venture, Darkside Developments, which began life in their parents’ shed. The business focused on aftermarket car parts and accessories for the VAG and BMW Group. As the company flourished, they needed more space, leading to the birth of RSP Properties.
The brothers bought land, building a permanent base for Darkside Developments. Alongside the building, they constructed six more retail units for other businesses. Completed in 2019, the units were soon rented, marking the shift into commercial property.
Jonny McArthur, who manages accounts for both Darkside Developments and RSP Properties, explains:
“RSP Properties started out of a need for space. Now it’s a fully-fledged commercial property business. We have six units and are planning to expand soon with 24 more.”
Committing to sustainable buildings
RSP Properties is now taking significant steps towards sustainability. The company joined the Net Zero Barnsley programme in late 2023, motivated by the potential to create greener properties.
“Our existing buildings are fairly new, so they already have the latest in LED lighting and energy efficiency. But, when we did the 1-1 sessions, we found that electricity usage was our biggest carbon footprint.”
RSP Properties applied for a grant through Net Zero Barnsley to help fund solar panels.
“The grant funding will help us install a 184KW solar system which will neutralise our carbon footprint. Everything is progressing well and we’re hoping the installation will begin soon.”
Jonny
Looking ahead, RSP Properties plans to integrate more green technologies into upcoming projects. This includes both solar panels and electric vehicle charging points. But, looking at the wider picture, the company also wants to find locally sourced building materials too.
“We’re using the lessons learned to improve the carbon footprint of our existing units. But we’ll also carry this forward to the new development of 24 units. We want to do it much earlier though, during the building phase. We’re already talking to the company fitting our solar panels about the new construction. The government is already pushing greener methods and biodiversity net gain. But Net Zero Barnsley has helped us look at what more we can do.”
Net Zero Barnsley was an “eye opener”
RSP Properties has now finished the Net Zero Barnsley programme. Jonny says it was a lengthy process with two workshops a month spread over time. But he also appreciates that many companies are more complex and would need that extra time.
“It would have been difficult for us to start with Darkside Developments as it’s a far more complex business. We may look at working on it though, once we’ve finished with RSP Properties. We’ve already started thinking about how we ship and receive goods, but net zero is more of a long-term vision.”
Speaking about the programme, Jonny says it was an “eye opener”.
“The training makes you think about the little things that impact carbon footprint. Even something as simple as ordering supplies can have a big environmental impact. But green technologies are good for business. Companies are generally looking to be greener, and that includes potential tenants. Greener construction will make it easier for us to advertise the new units.”
On a final note, Jonny says the Net Zero programme was definitely worth doing.
“It gives you a toolkit to assess your carbon footprint and identify areas to improve. Sustainability is good for the environment and good for business. But it can also help reduce costs. It’s a win-win.”
Website: https://rspproperties.uk/
About Net Zero Barnsley
Net Zero Barnsley is part of the Low Carbon Project, a project part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Sheffield City Council is the accountable body for the South Yorkshire region. The Low Carbon project has received £3,445,606 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The Shared Prosperity Fund provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ukshared-prosperity-fund-prospectus.
To learn more about Net Zero Barnsley:
