sustainable refurbishment

Transport

• Cycle facilities exceed BREEAM requirements, with 51 secure indoor cycle spaces, 54 lockers, six showers and changing facilities.
• Travel Plan developed to encourage sustainable travel through information, facilities and incentives.
• Highest possible rating on Transport for London's Public Transport Accessibility Level (6b), with Farringdon, Chancery Lane, Holborn, City Thameslink and Blackfriars stations all within walking distance.

Land use and ecology

• 279m2 of green roof space added on two levels, with a 100% wildflower turf vegetation layer.
• Habitats and planting designed to support regional and national biodiversity action plans, including the London Biodiversity Action Plan e.g. Leontodon autumnalis, a plant specific to a rare UK beetle, Olibrus flavicornis.

Health and wellbeing

• All lighting specified in line with best practice guidelines for visual performance and comfort.
• Lighting zoned and controllable in office areas, so occupiers can easily adjust light levels.
• High frequency ballasts on all fluorescent lamps to reduce the risk of flickering.
• Blinds with side cords on windows, so occupiers can control shading.
• Improved air quality, with air intake designed to avoid key external pollution sources.
• Good thermal comfort levels in office areas, with all office areas actively cooled.
• Temperature controls in each occupied space, so levels can be adjusted for different users’ needs.
• Reduced noise levels through insulation, outperforming BREEAM requirements.

Energy

• Zero carbon energy from 85m2 array of 230W solar photovoltaic panels.
• Low carbon energy from reversible air source heat pumps.
• Energy efficient lifts that operate in standby mode during off peak and idle times, with variable speed drive motors and electricity generated by the lift movement returned to the site.
• Extensive energy sub-metering, so the building team and occupiers can monitor and proactively manage energy use. Occupiers will be given logins to view their energy profiles directly.
• Energy efficient internal and external lighting throughout, in conjunction with daylight sensors and presence detection to further reduce consumption.
• Mix of mechanical ventilation with heat recovery and natural ventilation to reduce emissions.

Water

• Toilets with effective flush of three litres or less.
• Taps fitted with two litres per min Eco spray outlet and showers not exceeding nine litres per minute.
• Water metering and leak detection, so the building team can monitor and proactively manage consumption.
   

Materials

• At least 80% of timber certified sustainably sourced.
• At least 80% of key building elements responsibly sourced, as defined by the Green Guide to Specification, with A/A+ rated elements including plasterboard, steelwork and vinyl flooring.
• Masonry brickwork façade retained, reducing lifecycle emissions.
• Thermal insulation products with low embodied impact relative to their thermal properties, determined by the Green Guide to Specification, and responsibly sourced.
• Exposed building and landscape areas protected to minimise the frequency of use of replacement materials.

Waste

• Less than 6.5 tonnes or 12.9m3 of waste to be generated per 100m2 gross internal floor area – reducing waste through careful procurement (e.g. ordering precise quantities needed and purchasing plasterboard at 2.7m high to suit storey height) and use of prefabricated materials (e.g. precast brick faced panels).
• At least 90% of demolition waste and 75% of construction waste (by weight) to be diverted from landfill, with all waste sent to a registered sorting station.
• Onsite recycling facilities for occupiers in a central, dedicated space.

Management

• Green leases covering heating, cooling, lighting, sustainable travel, alterations and data sharing.
• Building User Guide to support occupiers in operating their areas efficiently.
• 43/50 Considerate Constructors Scheme score, reflecting care about appearance, community, environment, safety and workforce.

Financials

• £63,200 investment in the green roof.
• £1,200 for BREEAM certificates.
• Enhanced occupier appeal, contributing to rental income.
• Reduced construction costs by retaining building structure and façade.
• Energy cost savings for occupiers.

Benefits

• Upgrading office space and adding 582m2 of café space and 279m2 of roof terraces.
• Extending the building’s useful life.
• Enhancing sustainability credentials, through BREEAM Excellent and an EPC score of B-26, up from C before the project.
• Preventing exposure to the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, which come into force in 2018.

Occupiers

• Modern space designed for employee wellbeing, including improved thermal comfort, air quality and lighting.
• Offices and studios that are efficient to operate, with cost savings through efficiency.
• Roof terraces for people and wildlife to enjoy, with a mix of decking and biodiverse green space.
• Facilities for cyclists to support active commuters.
• BREEAM Excellent rating and features support occupiers’ sustainability credentials.
• 65% estimated reduction in CO2 emissions in existing areas, compared to before the refurbishment.
• 17.5% reduction in Part L CO2 emissions through PV panels and 3.8 tonnes annual CO2 savings