Landsec is progressing plans for what it hopes will be the UK’s first net zero carbon commercial building.
The Forge, previously known as 105 Sumner Street, SE1, is a 139,000 sq ft office development in Southwark with ambitions to be the first commercial building to be both constructed and operated in line with the UK Green Building Council’s net zero carbon buildings framework and associated energy performance targets.
As part of its sustainability commitment, all of Landsec’s future developments will be built to, and operate in line with, UKGBC’s net zero carbon buildings framework.
Chief executive Mark Allan said: “Our target is to be a net zero carbon business by 2030. That means we have to start making changes to the way we do things now. We know that property companies have a vital role to play in addressing the climate emergency. We are clear, therefore, that our sustainability strategy must be deeply embedded in our development programme and we will continue to be ambitious in our approach.”
Landsec said the Forge will be one of the most innovative construction sites in the capital and would be delivered using a platform-led approach to design and construction. The platform system, known as P-DfMA, consists of a set of components that can be efficiently combined to produce highly customised structures, enabling different kinds of spaces to be built with a single “kit of parts”. The new approach has been identified by the government as essential to the transformation of the construction sector. A trial led by Landsec, Bryden Wood and Easi-Space saw construction productivity improve by 55% and installation time reduced by 30%. Cost savings are expected to reach 33% when compared with traditional construction techniques, and the process is expected to result in a 20% reduction in carbon impact.
UKGBC chief executive Julie Hirigoyen said: “The Forge is a ground-breaking development and testament to Landsec’s desire to tackle the climate crisis head-on. Developers, construction firms, architects and occupiers must start working together at scale to deliver buildings like this that minimise whole life carbon and contribute to meaningful progress in the battle against climate change.”
Landsec has committed to reducing absolute carbon emissions by 70% from a 2014 baseline over the next 10 years. It plans to become a net zero carbon business by 2030.
Union Street Partners and CBRE are letting agents on The Forge.
To send feedback, e-mail samantha.mcclary@egi.co.uk or tweet @samanthamcclary or @estatesgazette
