With COP28 on the horizon, organisations are increasingly looking at ways to raise ambition and accelerate action towards decarbonisation.
The key question remains how best to achieve it.
We believe climate change can only be achieved by a collaborative response, which is why we work with our customers to help streamline the decarbonisation process.
Take our Decarbonise Today service for example. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of your estates and objectives, we can assist in crafting a feasible and practical plan that will reduce carbon emissions.
We make it as easy as possible to implement, so that the plan can quickly begin to deliver tangible results.
This year we’ve hosted multiple roundtable discussions on the topic of decarbonisation. They have brought together customers and consultants to identify the main obstacles towards achieving net zero and looked at how to overcome them.
Recently, we held a roundtable in London in partnership with Procurement Hub. It focused on the challenges in transitioning to a lower carbon estate through refurbishment programmes and how to meet the commitments enshrined in legislation.
Here are some of the key takeaways:
The need for a more coherent approach to sustainable infrastructure
Strategic infrastructure planning is crucial. There is a huge emphasis on the need for a robust national framework that includes the National Grid’s capacity to accommodate new connections and future electricity demands. This will demand strong leadership from the government and the involvement of combined authorities.
However, it’s equally important to recognise the potential for local authorities to lead regional initiatives, such as low carbon heat networks for example, and localised electricity generation and storage projects. These initiatives allow local authorities to unite strategic partners and communities to drive sustainable solutions at a local level.
Exploring embodied carbon and whole life cycle approaches
Much of our discussion revolved around embodied carbon, with a notable development being RICS’ whole life carbon assessment standards for the industry. While there was a consensus that the standards are not yet perfect, they are viewed to be a positive step forward. User feedback and experience can support RICS in reviewing and refining these assessment tools in the future.
Conversations with customers and consultants have highlighted the significance of carbon credits in measuring additionality, and the growing openness of some insurance companies in covering timber structures due to their lower embodied carbon footprint.
The financial aspect
It is important to recognise that financial restraints present a significant challenge on the journey to decarbonisation.
The targets set by the government ask all industries to think and act differently. Greater modernisation is required to support the transition to net zero and current economic models do not fulfil the need.
It’s also critical that building owners make best use of their own resources by incorporating energy efficiency and decarbonising measures into their main capital programmes – and many are already doing so.
Additionally, the availability of grant schemes for public sector organisations and other measures that can reduce operational costs, mean there is a need to look at capital expenditure and revenue budgets in a holistic way.
Shared learning and striving for excellence
As decarbonisation is a relatively new challenge with ambitious targets, it’s important for the construction industry to share its learning more widely.
Digital Twin Models allow proposed interventions to be modelled against different scenarios and uses. It means that we can assess the impact of changes of use during the lifetime of a building, future proofing investment decisions and increasing operational efficiencies. Third party reviews ensure that processes are correct and as good as they can be.
Feedback on how buildings are performing is vital for continual improvement. One suggestion made at our roundtable with Procurement Hub, was that this kind of information should be built into contracts, so that designers, consultants and contractors are aware of the outcomes and can help identify useful adjustments. This can also support in achieving operational efficiencies, designing intuitive controls and further educating operators.
There was an acknowledgment of the challenges regarding systems that are already in place. In line with government policy, there was widespread agreement at our roundtable that it is preferable to make changes when systems are at the end of life.
There was also acceptance of the need to consider carbon reduction alongside financial savings. Low carbon will not always be the cheapest option but it will deliver long-term sustainability benefits and can in turn reduce a building’s lifetime cost.
Start your decarbonisation journey
It’s clear that decarbonisation needs a whole system approach.
Carbon calculators need to be used to determine what saves carbon, and businesses need to move away from focusing too much on financial payback.
Although net zero brings with it ambitious targets, this is a journey that we are all embarking on.
If you would like to discuss decarbonisation please contact us.
Willmott Dixon Interiors delivered Birmingham’s largest office refurbishment, a £40m back-to-the-frame retrofit transformation of 10 Brindleyplace.
The vision of the project, which was developed by CBRE Investment Management, revealed a new, modern commercial office space with a focus on smart technology, sustainability and wellness, which would make it a desirable location for future occupants.
In line with Willmott Dixon’s 2030 ‘Now or Never’ sustainability strategy, the project has a strong emphasis on sustainable design and occupier wellness. The building meets Net Zero targets in operation with an EPC A rating (which exceeds Government requirements for 2030) and is on target to achieve a BREEAM rating of Excellent, WiredScore Platinum and is Birmingham’s first building to achieve Fitwel 2 stars accreditation, a standard that measures occupant health and wellbeing.
The project design achieved BREEAM points for its indoor air quality plan, low carbon design, energy efficient lighting, safe walking paths to public transport hubs, the provision of cycling facilities, and efficient water consumption.
Other key achievements of the project include:
- Optimised passive design and an all electric plant have achieved a 60% annual reduction in energy savings compared to a typical office of equal size.
- The existing building foundation, basement, and structural frame have been retained, which has enabled significant savings of almost 60% on embodied carbon when compared to creating a new development, according to a projected 60-year building life cycle assessment, led by the Venture team.
- 53% operational carbon reduction, compared to pre-refurbishment and savings of 658 tonnes of CO2 per year.
- Performance is aligned with UK’s net zero trajectory, exceeding 2025 interim performance targets.
- During the project, 100% of construction waste was diverted from landfill, either to be reused on other projects or recycled.
Sustainable design
The design of the redeveloped 10 Brindleyplace has drawn on thermal insulation, air tightness, glazing ratios, and glass specifications to reduce heating and cooling demands, thereby saving energy, operational costs, and carbon.
Our project team added a completely new energy efficient external façade system clad in a brick slip. More than 245,000 bricks have been installed on the project – covering an approximate area of almost 40,000 sq ft – which has delivered ten times the thickness of insulation, without any loss of net internal area which is a major contributor to the elevated EPC A rating.
The need for gas and fossil-fuels has been removed, instead utilising all-electric heating, cooling and hot water systems. The system will be powered by renewable green energy, delivered in part by on-site solar PV, helping to reduce operational costs.
Biodiversity
Following the implementation of an ecologist’s recommendations, the ecological value of the site has been safeguarded, with effects on biodiversity minimised through a five-year landscape and habitat management plan.
A green wall and green roof have been implemented along with beehives and biodiverse planting in line with expert recommendations. These all play a significant role in enriching our urban landscapes, making the space environmentally friendly and improving health and wellbeing of the building occupants. In addition, rainwater harvesting provides water for irrigating the building’s green features and flushing its toilets.
Smart Technology
Every element of the plant works within the building is connected through a common smart platform, deployed by Smart Spaces, from the heating and ventilation to the lighting and access control. This 3D digital model forms a digital twin of the building, enabling real time control and monitoring, which enhances performance and reduces energy wastage, which makes 10 Brindleyplace one of the most technologically advanced office buildings in the country. The building has achieved WiredScore Platinum certification, supporting data connectivity and off-site server options, also reducing onsite power demand.
The strong focus on sustainability and occupier wellbeing has also led to the delivery of enhanced amenities within the refurbished building, including a fitness studio and bouldering wall; cycle storage for 100 bicycles; electric vehicle charging; and two communal landscaped roof terraces.
It all means that 10 Brindleyplace will truly set a new benchmark for the reinvention of existing office space in Birmingham.
Find out more about the project here.
Willmott Dixon Interiors has recently delivered the refurbishment of 10 Brindleyplace in Birmingham. The project combined 10 and 8 Brindleyplace into one building to create a single floor by floor open office space of 212,000 sq ft, over nine floors.
As part of the work, we carried out the Cat B fit-out of level 1, which is one of Birmingham’s largest available floorplates at over 27,000 sq ft, creating office space, kitchen area and quiet rooms along with the Cat B fit-out of the Ground Floor which includes the reception desk, break out areas, café space and event space.
The flexible workspace on Level 1 will be managed by Spacemade, which they have branded 10X and will provide private studios and co-working space for more than 500 people. The meeting rooms have been designed to have moveable sliding partitions to divide meeting space, creating flexibility. Podcast facilities are also available along with a coffee shop and roastery and a 2,000 sq ft auditorium and event space.
Sustainable design
We worked with Associated Architects to ensure the collaboration of design and delivery achieved a high end yet sustainable result to meet the customer’s aspirations.
The concept of the design is focussed on texture, pops of colour and natural elements. A palette of earthy and warm tones was used, which was complimented by the natural timbers and planting which are a strong feature in the overall project.
Marble and Brass are used subtly throughout to bring a high-end feel with floor finishes which includes barrier matting, terrazzo tiling, porcelain tiling, carpet tiles, vinyl and floor paint.
CAT B fit-out at 10 Brindleyplace: Warm tan leathers and timber elements with an injection of colour into the kitchen cabinets.
Creating a calming atmosphere
The reception picks up on organic forms through the feature seating and soft linear lines in the reception desk design. In the Breakout space, two pill-shaped teapoint bars will feature warm tan leathers and timber elements with an injection of colour into the kitchen cabinets. Alongside carefully selected elements of soft-seating, secluded seating booths in feature alcoves, bespoke partitions and panelling, and unique table details; the space will provide a variety of different working atmospheres suitable for every tenant of the space. Textured fabrics, rugs and planting are a strong feature across the project and lighting has been used to create welcoming spaces.
Cat B fit-out at 10 Brindleyplace: The concept of the design is focussed on texture, pops of colour and natural elements.
Focus on wellbeing, technology and sustainability
In line with Willmott Dixon’s 2030 ‘Now or Never’ sustainability strategy, the project has a strong emphasis on wellbeing, technology and sustainability. The completed building has achieved BREEAM Excellent, Wiredscore Platinum and is Birmingham’s first office building to receive Fitwel accreditation, a standard that measures occupant health and wellbeing.
In addition, smart building technologies has been deployed by Smart Spaces to provide real-time energy monitoring and enhance user experience, for building access and organising events. This will allow the building occupiers to have the ability to control the lighting and temperature within a specialised 10 Brindleyplace app which has been developed.
PIR lighting has also been used throughout which allows significant savings on energy bills.
Find out more about the project here.
CAT B fit-out at 10 Brindleyplace: Textured fabrics, rugs and planting are a strong feature across the project.
Specialists from across the construction sector are investing their expertise in considering new and improved ways to design and build sustainable spaces.
While that offers a range of benefits for our health and wellbeing, the range of associated accreditations can be overwhelming.
We’re unpacking the basics of each of these sustainability certifications, including WELL Building StandardTM (WELL v2TM). We’ll take a close look at the features of certification, what benefits it may offer you and how your project will be assessed.
What is WELL certification?
The *WELL v2TM is a performance-based system that addresses specifying, measuring, monitoring and verifying features of the built environment that impact human health and wellbeing.
It is an evidence-based standard developed by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) and focuses on the intentionality of design, construction, and operations of buildings to promote human health and wellbeing.
WELL certification is designed to complement other existing building green building programs such as LEED, by providing a framework that specifically addresses the health and wellness of building occupants.
*The WELL Building StandardTM is currently in version 2. Its scoring system is more flexible than WELL v1, motivating more building owners to seek certification.
Why is WELL popular?
The WELL Building StandardTM is detailed, thorough and established on the principles of being: globally applicable, equitable, evidence-based, customer-focused, technically robust, resilient.
The standard has minimal barriers to entry for intentionally designing spaces that nurture health and wellbeing.
The IWBI Governance Council upholds the integrity of the WELL Building Standard development process.
Each WELL feature meets four tenets outlined below:
- Evidence-based approach that links design, policy and built environment strategies to health and well-being outcomes.
- Verifiable through on-site assessments and testing of building performance.
- Implementable as demonstrated through WELL v1 and/or WELL v2 pilots.
- Presented for outside input by engaging with a diverse community of professionals, specialists, peer reviews and other 3rd parties, whose participation informs the development of WELL.
What are the benefits of a WELL certification?
The benefits of a WELL certification are being studied and reported.
One such study has been recently published in issue 224 of the Journal of Building and Environment 224 (2022) 109539. It found an increase in occupant satisfaction and perceived health, wellbeing, and productivity in WELL certified spaces, with features that improve air quality and minimise exposure to toxins (i.e. asbestos and mercury).
Once certified, a building can use the WELL certification to differentiate itself in the market, attract tenants or occupants who prioritise health and wellness, and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
How are WELL projects assessed?
WELL v2 projects are categorised for assessment in two main groups, established via ownership type of the project:
- Owner-occupied: the project is mainly occupied by the project owner (NB this may be different from the building owner).
- WELL Core: the project owner occupies a small portion of the project area and rents/leases most of the space to one or more tenants.
WELL is made up of ten concepts:
- Air
- Water
- Nourishment
- Light
- Movement
- Thermal Comfort
- Sound
- Materials
- Mind
- Community
Each concept consists of features with distinct health intents and criteria requirements. Features are classed as preconditions (these are universal and mandatory requirements for all projects) or optimisations (these are flexible and selectable requirements depending on the function, typology of the project, etc.).
The applicability of features within concepts to WELL core projects, depends on factors such as relevant population and project area.
How are WELL projects scored?
WELL assessments have a dynamic scorecard with a total of 100 points across ten concepts.
To achieve WELL certification, a project must achieve all the preconditions and meet specific performance criteria in each of the concepts.
Projects may earn no more than 12 points per concept. Ten additional points are available under the Innovation concept.
If a project earns more than 12 points in any concept, the additional points are counted toward Feature I01, provided the maximum points in the innovation concept have not yet been reached.
There are different levels of WELL certification:
- WELL Bronze Certification: 40 points; no minimum points per concept
- WELL Silver Certification: 50 points; minimum 1 point per concept
- WELL Gold Certification: 60 points; minimum 2 points per concept
- WELL Platinum Certification: 80 points; minimum 3 points per concept
Take a look at our WELL projects
- Targeting WELL Gold: 5 St Philips Place, Birmingham (completion expected in 2023)
- Targeting WELL Gold: 19 Cornwall St, Birmingham (currently in preconstruction phase)
CGI of the new reception area at 19 Cornwall Street that will be created.
Read more on other sustainability accreditations including: BREEAM and Fitwel.
In the ongoing effort to combat climate change and achieve net-zero emissions, organisations are increasingly focusing on decarbonising their estates. However, several obstacles stand in the way of attaining these ambitious goals.
Last year, we launched our Decarbonise Today service to reduce carbon footprint across our customer’s estates. Through this service, we are working in partnership with our customers to simplify the decarbonisation process. By understanding our customer’s estate and decarbonisation plans, we can help to design and deliver a realistic and actionable plan to implement.
Recently, we hosted a decarbonisation roundtable with our customers and consultants to delve into the key challenges and blockers they encounter while decarbonising their estate. The meeting yielded insightful discussions and innovative solutions, emphasising the importance of collaboration, embracing technology, and fostering a culture of continuous learning.
Breaking Down Silos: The Importance of Team Collaboration
One major challenge faced by businesses in their pursuit of net-zero is the lack of collaboration among teams within the same organisation. Often, individuals retain crucial knowledge in their heads, leading to a lack of continuity when they move on to new roles. Additionally, interdepartmental communication and information sharing are hampered, hindering progress towards shared sustainability goals.
To address this, it is essential to promote open communication and encourage teams to work together, sharing information, budgets, and strategies for collective success.
Embracing Technology and Overcoming Fear of Innovation
The fear of trying new technologies can be a significant blocker to achieving net-zero targets. Some local authorities hesitate to make decisions that may invite criticism or lead to financial wastage. Instead, they prefer to observe other organisations’ experiences before adopting innovations themselves.
To overcome this reluctance, it is vital to highlight the potential benefits of technologies like digital twins, Building Information Modelling (BIM), and digitalised Building Management Systems (BMS). By embracing these advancements, companies can unlock new levels of effectiveness and efficiency, making the transition to sustainability more achievable.
Addressing Budget Constraints and Prioritising Long-term Value
Insufficient funding remains a persistent challenge in the quest for net-zero. The perpetual debate between Capital Expenditure (Capex) and Operational Expenditure (Opex) often hinders progress. Businesses must recognise the long-term value of investing more upfront to achieve substantial savings in the future.
To tackle this, estate and facilities management teams must work collaboratively to advocate for and allocate adequate budgets to support sustainable initiatives.
The Importance of Baseline Data for Effective Decarbonisation
Before embarking on a decarbonisation journey, gathering baseline data on energy consumption is crucial. Understanding how buildings perform and identifying areas for improvement is essential for formulating effective sustainability strategies.
With reliable baseline data in hand, organisations can make informed decisions and prioritize energy-efficient measures, facilitating a smoother transition to a greener future.
Navigating Heritage and Planning Constraints
Historic buildings and stringent planning regulations pose unique challenges. Altering the fabric of listed buildings often faces resistance from planning authorities and Historic England.
To overcome these hurdles, collaboration with heritage organisations and stakeholders is necessary to find innovative solutions that preserve the historical value while incorporating sustainable practices.
Promoting Education and Behavioural Change
Education plays a vital role in driving behavioural change among individuals and businesses. Just as we turn off lights at home to save energy, fostering a culture of energy-consciousness in the workplace can have a significant impact. Providing employees with information on the implications of their actions and how small changes can contribute to a more sustainable future will encourage responsible energy usage.
Learning from Post-Occupancy Feedback: A Path to Continuous Improvement
To enhance future sustainability achievements, projects should be revisited post-occupancy. By evaluating whether the design intent aligns with practices, valuable insights can be gained. Sharing lessons learned among the project team enables everyone involved to learn from past experiences and make informed decisions in future designs, ultimately paving the way for more energy-efficient solutions.
We would like to thank everyone who has attended one of our decarbonisation roundtables so far, and look forward to seeing many of you in the future.
To learn more about our decarbonisation service, click here.
Sustainable buildings can deliver a range of benefits, from increasing the value of property to reducing environmental impact and lowering operational and maintenance costs.
The difficulty faced by occupiers, landlords and developers is in navigating a complex, overcrowded market of sustainability related benchmarks and accreditations, including: Fitwel, BREEAM, WELL and NABERS.
As part of a series of articles, we’re unpacking the basics of sustainability accreditations. We’ll take a look at what is covered under Fitwel, why it is important and how we support our customers in achieving accreditation for their own fit out and refurbishment projects.
What is Fitwel certification?
Fitwel – also known as ‘facility innovations towards wellness environment leadership’ – is a healthy building certification system that focuses on improving the lives of occupants and local communities.
Developed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the General Services Administration, it provides valuable insights on designing and operating healthier buildings.
Fitwel building certification considers the multiple ways that a building impacts the health and wellbeing of its occupants. It is particularly well suited to existing buildings, providing opportunities for engagement with customers to choose the strategies that best apply to the occupants of that project.
Why is Fitwel important?
Three major reasons to consider Fitwel certification for your project:
- 49% of building owners are willing to pay more for buildings that demonstrate a positive impact on health
- 45% of investors own or are interested in ‘impact investments’ – that is, buildings with strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance
- 84% understand how their building supports occupant health thanks to the information and performance data gained during a sustainable building certification process
What are the benefits of Fitwel?
Fitwel building certification is a widely recognised and respected credential in the building industry.
Certification can enhance a building’s reputation and differentiate it from competitors, making it more attractive in a market that increasingly favours healthy, sustainable buildings.
Potential occupiers are also more likely to be attracted by the prospect of increased productivity, lower absenteeism and other positive outcomes that a Fitwel certified building can offer.
Fitwel accreditation benefits from comparatively straightforward requirements and low barriers to entry. It is also simpler to implement and document when compared to other sustainable building certifications.
Other key benefits of Fitwel certification include:
- Improved occupant health and wellbeing
- Increased tenant satisfaction
- Enhanced reputation
- Potential cost savings (i.e. through reduced absenteeism of occupants)
- Improved compliance with regulations and standards
How are Fitwel projects assessed?
Fitwel accreditation uses specific scorecards – each with its own in-depth project-type requirements – which depend on the type of project that is being certified.
A Fitwel scorecard comprises strategy requirements assessed under 12 themes noted below and points are scored each time the design makes provision for strategy requirements.
- Location – g. walkability and options of public transport use and proximity to multiple amenities.
- Building access – e.g. provision for pedestrian routes, bicycle storage, cyclist facilities, car parks and annual surveys of occupants.
- Outdoor spaces – g. inclusion of outdoor spaces in the form of walking trail, fitness area, restorative garden, farmers market etc.
- Entrances and ground floor – g. signage and entry way considerations creating connection through building orientation, sidewalks, streetscapes, ground floor space for social interaction, community engagement, retail etc.
- Stairs – g. enabling connectivity of occupants through clear, visible signage towards safe access.
- Indoor environment – g. wellbeing considerations implementing actions to create spaces that are tobacco and smoke free, asbestos free, aligned to green purchasing, pest management etc.
- Workspaces – g. comfort of occupants through design considerations of daylight, views of nature, shading, thermal comfort.
- Shared spaces – g. creating shared collaborative spaces for all occupants such as exercise area, multi-purpose room, quiet room, etc. while maintaining protocols and signage for cleaning and use of spaces.
- Water supply – g. provision of regularly tested, accessible and potable water including wheelchair users.
- Prepared food areas – g. ensuring occupants make healthy food choices through access to healthy food and beverage selection with nutritional value details.
- Vending machines and snack bars – g. healthy food and beverage choices supported via choice architecture practices for vending machines and snack bars.
- Emergency preparedness – g. development of an emergency response plan with certified qualified first responders and access to toolkits that help occupants respond quickly and be safe.
How is Fitwel building certification scored?
Fitwel certification uses a points-based system with the highest score being 144. A Fitwel score is translated into a star rating with certification, depending on where the assessed project falls within the scorecard requirements.
- Not Certified = 0-89 points
- Fitwel one star = 90-104 points
- Fitwel two stars = 105-124 points
- Fitwel three stars = 125-144 points
Take a look at our Fitwel certified projects
Willmott Dixon Interiors is at the forefront of delivering many highly sustainable buildings nationwide and a recently completed project 10 Brindleyplace, Birmingham, is the city’s first ever building to achieve Fitwel certification.
10 Brindleyplace is Birmingham’s first office building to receive Fitwel accreditation.
Willmott Dixon Interiors has completed the stunning £40m transformation of 10 Brindleyplace – Birmingham’s largest office refurbishment scheme.
The back to the frame transformation has combined two buildings to deliver more than 210,000 sq ft of grade A office space, with one of the city’s largest available office floorplates, at over 27,000 sq ft.
With a focus on three pillars of technology, sustainability and wellness, the redevelopment is Birmingham’s first office building to receive Fitwel accreditation – a standard that measures occupant health and wellbeing. It has also been awarded several other market-leading certifications, including:
- EPC A rating
- BREEAM Excellent
- WiredScore Platinum
- Fitwel 2 stars
We delivered the refurbishment of 10 Brindleyplace on behalf of CBRE Global Investors, with Willmott Dixon Construction providing specialist structural elements.
The former home of NatWest, the building has been transformed with a new, modern façade, generous double height reception space accessed from both Oozells Square and Broad Street, and large modern open plan office floors with floor-to-ceiling windows.
Occupier amenities include an on-site café, fitness facilities that boast a bouldering wall and fitness studio, extensive roof terraces, cycle storage for 100 bicycles, and electric vehicle charging.
The scheme is characterised by its strong sustainability and environmental credentials with a carbon reduction of more than 50% compared to the pre-refurbishment.
A new sprinkler system and an all-electric heating and cooling system have improved thermal efficiency and removed the need for fossil fuels. In addition, smart building technologies from Smart Spaces have been deployed to provide real-time energy monitoring and enhance user experience, making 10 Brindleyplace one of the most technologically advanced office buildings in the country.
Phil Crowther, director at Willmott Dixon Interiors, said: “We are incredibly proud to have led the delivery of Birmingham’s biggest office refurbishment scheme, working alongside a first class project team and supply chain partners. The refurbishment has reinvented an existing building as a truly modern, high-tech office space with top class amenities, that prioritises the health and wellbeing of occupiers. It sets new standards in the city’s office market and delivers one of the most sustainable office environments that Birmingham will have to offer for many years to come.”
The project team included architect; Associated Architects, Quantity surveyor; MGAC and the project management of 10 Brindleyplace was headed up by Venture, the specialist project management team of Workman LLP, which runs complex builds, retrofits, and refurbishments on behalf of clients.
Nick White, Director at CBRE Investment Management said: “This scheme really does set new standards in the Birmingham office market; the facilities and certifications align with our focus on sustainability, wellness and technology, creating office space which is both fit for today and the future needs of our occupiers.”
Partnering with CBRE Investment Management, Spacemade will deliver 27,000 sq ft of flexible workspace at 10 Brindleyplace. Amenities will include private studios and co-working space for more than 500 people, meeting room and podcast facilities, coffee shop and roastery and a 2,000 sq ft auditorium and event space.
Dan Silverman, co-founder at Spacemade said: “The addition of flexible workspace to 10 Brindleyplace completes the brilliant amenity that CBRE IM has built into the scheme. By keeping control and transparency of the flexible workspace, CBRE IM is able to retain the relationship with their customers and fully integrate this crucial amenity into the rest of the building, therefore creating a truly seamless customer experience. With the increased focus on hybrid working, this environment will give members the variety and flexibility required to attract Birmingham’s best talent to the office.”
Paul Stanley, Workman LLP’s Venture team Technical Director said: “The complex refurbishment and retrofitting of large office buildings is clearly a growing theme across the UK real estate sector, as investors seek to improve the ESG performance of their holdings and avoid carbon-intensive knockdown-and-rebuild strategies, while aligning premises with occupiers’ modern and future needs. 10 Brindleyplace is a beacon of best practice for this effort – having transformed two smaller outdated office spaces into an industry-leading workspace that sets the tone for both Birmingham city centre headquarters spaces and the Midlands office market more widely. The success of this significant retrofit has been testament to the commitment and professionalism of all involved and I – like many others – am proud to see it reach fruition.”
Steve Townsend, Director, Associated Architects LLP, said: “We couldn’t be prouder of the successful completion of 10 Brindleyplace, a remarkable retrofit project that has transformed the commercial office space within these two buildings. Several prestigious certifications highlight the building’s commitment to sustainability, well-being, and new technology. The focus on these key aspects perfectly aligns with the needs of occupants, while also setting new standards in the Birmingham office market. These grade A office spaces not only meet the demands of today but also provide an environment that caters to the evolving needs of occupiers. It’s a testament to our dedication to delivering exceptional architectural design that enhances both productivity and the overall work experience.”
Find out more about the project here.
Sustainable buildings can deliver a range of benefits, from increasing the value of property to reducing environmental impact and lowering operational and maintenance costs.
The difficulty faced by occupiers, landlords and developers is in navigating a complex market of sustainability related benchmarks and accreditations, including: BREEAM, Fitwel, WELL and NABERS.
As part of a forthcoming series of articles, we’re unpacking the basics of each of these sustainability accreditations. Starting with BREEAM, we’ll take a look at what they cover, why they’re important and how we support our customers in achieving accreditation for their own fit out and refurbishment projects.
What is BREEAM certification?
The internationally recognised Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method – popularly known as BREEAM – is designed to drive sustainability and wellbeing across the built environment through a robust framework for the verification and certification of built assets.
Launched in 1990 by the UK’s Building Research Establishment, it sets standards that help improve a building’s performance at every stage, from design and construction, to use and refurbishment.
Its aim is to not only recognise and reward buildings with genuinely green credentials, but to improve sustainability in those buildings and in the wider built environment too.
Why is BREEAM popular?
BREEAM is by far the most common building certification in the UK and is also being applied in over 85 countries. It has been used to certify over 590,000 assessments to date, of buildings across the building life cycle.
Its popularity is partly explained by cost-effectiveness. While securing BREEAM-certification inevitably involves upfront costs (i.e. certification fees and the appointment of an assessor), a high rating of BREEAM certified building is likely to be significantly cheaper to operate than one without certification.
BREEAM’s approach to measuring and quantifying environmental impacts makes it an attractive measurement tool which can support a predictive reduction in CO2 emissions during the planning application process and unlock any linked funding requirements.
Some customers value having an independent, internationally recognised benchmark to demonstrate a building’s sustainability credentials, while BREEAM has also been adapted to British construction law and best practices, which further boosts its appeal.
BREEAM is flexible to align with existing industry practices and other standards where possible.
What are the benefits of a BREEAM rating?
- Can make a property more attractive to future occupiers (i.e. when considering factors such as employee health and wellbeing, waste reduction, sustainable procurement, biodiversity enhancements, energy usage, water reduction etc)
- Likely to have better thermal and acoustic comfort performances, which can translate into increased employee productivity
- Demonstrates environmental performance through the efficiency of heating systems, lower water consumption and improved energy efficiency, which can help reduce maintenance and replacement costs
How are BREEAM projects assessed?
BREEAM accreditation refers to the process of having a building assessed and certified according to BREEAM standards.
Accreditation includes a thorough evaluation of the building’s environmental performance across 10 key categories:
- Energy (i.e. LED lighting, energy monitoring systems
- Health and Wellbeing (i.e. thermal comfort, lighting comfort, safety and security)
- Innovation – (i.e. opportunities that demonstrate performance beyond compliance)
- Land Use and Ecology – (i.e. measures that protect and enhance existing biodiversity and communities in the neighbourhood)
- Management – (i.e. responsible construction practices, commissioning, and after care)
- Materials – (i.e. sustainable procurement)
- Pollution – (i.e. identification and mitigation of sources of pollution including noise and night light pollution)
- Transport – (i.e. accessibility to transport nodes, amenities and cycling facilities)
- Waste – (i.e. segregation and sorting of operational waste, reduction of demolition and construction waste)
- Water – (i.e. reduction of water consumption during construction and operations)
BREEAM’s third-party certification involves the validation of the assessment by impartial assessors who are formally trained by the BRE Academy. BRE Global is accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service as a certification body and operator of BREEAM, validating its competence, impartiality, and the robustness of its processes.
Two assessments which are part of two certification stages are carried out: a design stage assessment which results in an interim BREEAM certificate, and a post-construction assessment which results in a final BREEAM certificate.
How are BREEAM projects scored?
Each BREEAM rating level broadly represents performance equivalent to:
- Outstanding: >85%
- Excellent: >70%
- Very Good: >55%
- Good: >45%
- Pass: >30%
Image above: 10 Brindleyplace which has achieved BREEAM Excellent.
Take a look at our BREEAM projects
Willmott Dixon Interiors is at the forefront of delivering many highly sustainable buildings nationwide and we have a strong record in achieving BREEAM certified projects for our customers.
We have supported three recent projects in achieving design stage interim BREEAM certification:
Find out more about our Now or Never Sustainability ambitions here.
Kier Property has appointed Willmott Dixon Interiors to redevelop 139,000 sq ft of office space at 19 Cornwall Street in the heart of Birmingham’s Business District, transforming it into an exemplar net zero carbon (NZC) in operation, smart-enabled office building.
External CGI of the redevelopment of 19 Cornwall Street.
The building has seven floors and, once complete, will be a fully smart-enabled building, offering a range of enhanced occupier facilities and technological capability. Features include a central atrium with interactive breakout areas and an attractive, planted communal roof terrace, plus 150 secure parking spaces (including 24 with electric vehicle-charging). Tenant amenities are all located on the ground floor and include a multi-functional studio space, 74 cycle spaces and showers/changing rooms.
In line with Willmott Dixon Interior’s 2030 Sustainability Now or Never Brilliant Building ambitions to achieve net zero carbon by 2030, the development is targeted to achieve the UK Green Building Council energy performance 2025-2030 Interim Target, typically a 5star NABER’s. It also offers BREEAM Excellent rating, EPC A rating and provides up to 4,000 sq ft of PV panels.
Phil Crowther, Director at Willmott Dixon Interiors, said: “We are very excited to have been appointed to deliver Kier Property’s first net zero carbon building in operation. There continues to be a strong demand for high-quality office space in Birmingham city centre, with environmental and sustainability credentials at the very top of many occupiers’ requirements. Our business is at the forefront of delivering highly sustainable buildings and we’re proud to be involved with Kier Property in transforming 19 Cornwall Street.”
CGI of the new reception area that will be created at 19 Cornwall Street.
Leigh Thomas, Group managing director for Kier Property commented: “19 Cornwall Street was acquired by Kier Property in joint venture with ARA Europe from Standard Life and was initially let to occupiers, Price Waterhouse Coopers and Pinsent Masons. To respond to market conditions and increased occupier demand for sustainable buildings our plans will see us bring forward a building that will be enabled to be net zero carbon in operation. This offering is aligned to Kier’s sustainability strategy and sits well with the Government’s strategy and proposals for decarbonising all sectors of the UK economy to meet their net zero target by 2050.”
Working with a wider project team which includes Associated Architects, SBK Consulting Ltd, Cundall, Briggs & Forrester Group, APiC UK Limited, Elmsmere Interior Systems Ltd and Strip Out Solutions.
Construction has started on site and will be ready to let in late 2024, find out more about the project here.
Fit-out and refurbishment specialist contractor, Willmott Dixon Interiors has been chosen to lead the refurbishment of the Grade II listed Sanctuary Buildings in London.
The Department for Education (DfE) has appointed the contractor to deliver the phased CAT B fit out of 12,850m2 across floors of the property in Victoria.
The 27-month project has been designed to create a more modern, sustainable and streamlined office environment, which reflects the Department’s adoption of hybrid working practices.
Willmott Dixon Interiors will deliver collaborative and open plan workspaces, including hot desking facilities and staff breakout areas, as well as new meeting rooms with state-of-the-art conferencing technology.
The design is characterised by its focus on diversity and inclusion, with features that directly cater for those with sensory, cognitive, physical or developmental needs.
They include the availability of sensory spaces, improved lighting and acoustic properties and a muted colour palette.
Existing plant facilities will be upgraded as part of DfE’s decarbonisation agenda, while the infrastructure will be put in place to support the future use of photovoltaic solar panelling.
Works will be carried out in a live environment, with staff decanted to alternative floors during separate phases of the project. The project is expected to be completed by Autumn 2024.
Graham Shaw, managing director at Willmott Dixon Interiors, said: “This important project will allow the DfE to facilitate hybrid working and consolidate its existing footprint within the Sanctuary Buildings. We’ll be refurbishing the building to modern standards and future proofing its plant facilities, to deliver a sustainable workplace environment that promotes wellbeing and inclusivity. It is the second significant project we have been appointed to deliver on behalf of the customer and we’ll be working in close collaboration to ensure everything is completed on time and with minimal disruption to occupant.”
The contract was awarded to Willmott Dixon Interiors via the Southern Construction Framework. The project team includes Arcadis, which is delivering principal design, project management and cost consultancy services.