Sustainability Report

Embodied carbon strategies 

• The refurbishment of Building 100 employed a back-to-frame strategy that retained the 1997 concrete structural frame while replacing and upgrading every other element. This approach reduced embodied carbon by approximately 25 percent compared to an equivalent new build and minimised material waste.
• Following a thorough appraisal of light refurbishment, heavy refurbishment, and new build options, a heavy refurbishment with a vertical extension was selected. This approach minimised carbon emissions and leveraged the existing structure.
• A new second floor was added within the original roofline using lightweight structural infills, increasing net internal area by 65 percent without breaching planning height limitations or overloading the original foundations.
• High-quality materials were selected for their durability and resistance to environmental degradation, including enhanced concrete cover, reinforced render systems, elastic roof finishes, UV-protected external door finishes, chrome stainless-steel railings, and robust glazing systems. FSC-certified timber and low-embodied-carbon products were used to minimise environmental impact.
• Construction logistics and procurement processes incorporated resource-efficient practices and over 95 percent of construction waste was diverted from landfill, aligning with BREEAM’s waste management principles.

Operational emissions strategies

• Building 100 operates as an all-electric building powered by renewable tariffs. The rooftop photovoltaic array has a capacity of 23.24 kWp and generates 20,823 kWh annually. Base-build energy use is modelled at 113,543 kWh per year, approximately half of REEB (Real Estate Environmental Benchmark) good-practice benchmarks.
• Operational energy performance was informed by TM54 and Passivhaus-aligned modelling, including studies on facade openings, glazing, insulation, HVAC zoning, thermal comfort, and daylight. The building achieved EPC A, BREEAM Excellent, and a 5.5-star NABERS UK Design for Performance rating.
• The project aligns with the Base Building UKGBC Net Zero Carbon Framework up to 2030 through low-energy design, renewable energy integration, and reduced embodied carbon associated with the refurbishment approach.
• A predictive mixed-mode ventilation system integrates natural and mechanical ventilation. Operable windows are linked to a traffic-light interface that indicates when outdoor conditions allow natural ventilation. Opening windows automatically disables mechanical cooling and ventilation to prevent duplicate energy use. CO2 sensors control fresh-air supply and maintain indoor air quality.
• Smart environmental controls include daylight-linked lighting, zoned systems integrated with the Building Management System, leak detection, and automated responses to occupancy patterns and weather data. These systems reduce operational energy demand and improve alignment between modelled and in-use performance.
• Water management aligns with BREEAM Excellent benchmarks through leak detection systems, efficient fittings, and attenuation measures.

The refurbishment adopted a back-to-frame approach that maintained the primary structure while replacing other elements with materials selected for durability and reduced maintenance.

Below-ground attenuation, the PV system, and the green roof and wall installations were designed as discrete systems that can be accessed, maintained, or replaced without invasive works.