Sustainable strategy
While the external style alludes to nineteenth century ambition, the interior is an exemplar of 21st century energy sustainability. Ramboll was commissioned to develop a RIBA Stage E design and sustainability strategy for the refurbishment and extension of the 24,160m² office building, providing an Energy Strategy and Sustainability Statement.
The initial focus of the design centred on making the 15-floor office building sufficiently energy efficient to meet Part L building regulations, requiring a significant reduction in fuel and power consumption, injecting more certainty and predictability into energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Designers targeted an EPC Band B rating, significantly reducing emissions and achieving a ‘Very Good’ BREEAM rating. Challenging in a new build but far more problematic in a 45-year-old office block.
