One of the project’s greatest challenges was achieving the ambitious environmental performance targets established for the development. The completed project attained a BREEAM Excellent rating together with a “Good Practice” benchmark under Energy Consumption Guide 19 (ECON 19) for office energy use. The design was developed to source a minimum of 80% of the building’s electricity demand from renewable energy systems.

To achieve these sustainability objectives, the engineering strategy incorporated natural ventilation throughout most areas of the building, including zones where floor plate depth would traditionally limit its application. Low-velocity displacement ventilation and comfort cooling systems were implemented using ground source heat pump technology to improve energy efficiency and occupant comfort. Additional renewable energy contributions were achieved through the integration of solar panels and a combined heat and power (CHP) boiler system, significantly reducing the overall energy demand of the development.

In recognition of its innovative engineering and environmental performance, the project was named the “Most Significant Project of the Past Three Decades” by Building Services Journal.