Our results and approach show that we are delivering higher returns and better quality projects than our peers in both the upswing and downswing. In this article, I explain in more detail one aspect of our thinking and how this is helping our bottom-line.

Oxford is currently most active in three development divisions. These are (a) renewable agriculture, (b) renewable energy and (c) sustainable development. At first glance, these divisions seem independent. In actual fact they are very interdependent and this defines Oxford’s thinking as a group.

We view these divisions as one whole energy system or energy lifecycle. In the first division, energy crops generate energy from the land and the sun, regenerate the land and absorb carbon from the atmosphere. In the second division these crops feed into biomass units which generate heat and electricity and are joined by wind and solar power for local electricity and community need and feed in to the (inter)national grid to supply a wider area with its power needs for energy security and balance. In the third division, the heat and power is used in buildings (industry, leisure, commerce, residential, social and so on), sustainably developed in a community concept.

This interdependence and sustainability matches Oxford’s thinking in the way we operate, for instance our 360 degree approach to stakeholders in developments (see my previous article on the Oxford 360 approach), the way we act as individuals and how we interact without the Group.

Currently this type of approach is not well used or understood by the investment and development community. In this sense, we continue to be leading edge in our projects and developments. By thinking practically, sensibly and sustainably, minimising excess cost, practicing local reuse and applying leading edge thinking combined with tried and tested technology, we stay ahead of the pack in performance.

Since our projects continue to generate above-industry norm results and supernormal returns in comparison to our peers and as the market continues to mature, we believe this truly sustainable and higher performance method will begin to be more widely used across all our markets. Within 10 years, a similar approach may well become the norm.

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Hadley Barrett (CEO).