Sustainability Report
Embodied carbon
The project demonstrates a clear embodied carbon reduction approach through retention and minimal intervention, including:
- Retention and refurbishment of existing structure and materials
- Granite reception flooring retained and revitalised
- Reuse of building components
- Repurposed raised access floors
- Design around existing fabric
- Existing walls and fire doors retained to avoid demolition
- Material selection for longevity
- FSC-certified iroko timber (durable, low maintenance)
- Low-impact upgrades instead of full replacement
- Targeted retrofit rather than structural overhaul
- High-performance envelope additions
- Vacuum insulation panels at terrace level
Operational Emissions / Energy
Operational performance improvements are indirect but meaningful, including:
- Improved building envelope performance
- Replacement entrance with revolving door reduces heat loss
- High-performance insulation
- Vacuum insulation panels improve thermal resistance
- Efficient lighting strategy
- Low-impact lighting design avoids over-illumination
- Biophilic design
- Roof garden contributes to microclimate moderation
- Encouragement of low-carbon transport
- Cycle storage and end-of-journey facilities
- Space efficiency upgrades
- CAT A refurbishment improves usability without expansion
Service and maintenance emissions
The project reduces lifecycle emissions through:
- Durable material specification
- Iroko timber (long lifespan, low maintenance)
- Robust finishes
- Terrazzo and porcelain tiles (high durability)
- Minimised replacement cycles
- Retention of existing fabric
- Efficient building servicing
- Upgraded facilities integrated within existing systems
- Low-maintenance landscape design
- Biodiverse planting supporting natural pest control
Afterlife
Underutilised areas have been strategically repurposed to deliver measurable operational value, maximising use of space within the existing structure. By upgrading the entrance, reception, and office spaces to premium CAT A standards, enhancing cyclist and wellness facilities, and introducing a landscaped terrace, the scheme delivers contemporary functionality and improved occupier experience without the environmental and social costs of new-build development.
At roof level, JRA delivered a comprehensive refurbishment including new access doors, balustrades, and high-quality, durable finishes that will stand the test of time. A previously overlooked terrace has become a biodiverse garden that enhances occupier experience, while connecting users to the spectacular city views. Designed in collaboration with Giverny Flower, the new landscaped terrace incorporates planting, seating areas, and relocates part of the sedum roof to Level 9, enriching the building’s biodiversity.
The carefully curated planting scheme combines evergreen shrubs, trees, perennials, and ornamental grasses to attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees, while supporting ecological balance. A bespoke, low-impact lighting scheme highlights the garden’s features without resorting to generic floodlighting, creating a calm and atmospheric evening environment.
At the basement level, former parking spaces have been refurbished into modern end-of-journey facilities, including well-appointed showers, changing rooms with lockers and ironing stations, and extensive cycle storage, encouraging active travel, and supporting workplace wellbeing and sustainable travel.
The final scheme delivers a workplace that operates more intelligently at every scale, is efficient, user-focused, and future-ready.
Key products in low carbon design
