A high quality, sustainable building and a flexible working environment
Project Details
- Scheme & Version: BREEAM UK Offices 2008
- Stage: Final
- Location: Reading, UK
- Score & Rating: 87.6%, Outstanding
- Certificate Number: BREEAM-0063-2448
Project Team
- Client: McKay Securities plc
- Assessor/AP: Ruth Geeson, Greengage
- Developer: McKay Securities plc
- Contractor: Valco
- Project Manager: Constructive Management
- Architect: Barton Willmore
- M&E Engineer: Q Design
- Structural Engineer: Peter Brett Associates
About the Building
This 1980’s building was acquired by McKay Securities plc in 2014, following the departure of PWC, who then undertook a full refurbishment including a new full height glazing system and M&E throughout.
McKay chose BREEAM as it sets out a holistic approach to sustainability issues within the built environment that ensures robust and reputable green building outcomes. The approach assists in the reduction of environmental impact throughout the whole lifecycle of the building, which contributes to the financial attractiveness of the building to potential tenants. It is also a recognised measure of how sustainable a building is and is one of the key criteria that occupiers now consider when seeking new accommodation.
Green Strategy
Sustainability is a core element of McKay Securities strategy to deliver business space that is attractive to both occupiers and owners. The strategy focuses on managing sustainable buildings, creating sustainable buildings and engaging stakeholders.
The achievement at 9 Greyfriars demonstrates how a sustainable building can be delivered cost effectively when client, design team and contractor work seamlessly together to achieve the same solution.
9 Greyfriars has been provided with a new lease of life and now delivers modern flexible space.
Air source heat pumps contribute to summer and winter thermal regulation. Passive design improves thermal comfort and reduces energy bills. Building emission rate achieved a 26% reduction on that targeted.
Contractor achieved 36 pts in the Considerate Contractors Scheme. Pre-handover commissions in line with CIBSE and BSRIA guidelines. Ongoing commissioning will ensure optimum performance during occupancy.
High levels of natural light, reinforces the circadian rhythm of employees, increasing alertness and decreasing fatigue. Provision of a controllable thermal environment also increases employee performance.
New terrace for building tenants with 33 sq m of planting, specifically chosen on recommendations of suitably qualified ecologists.
Re-use of the original building structure ensured a high level of material efficiency. All of the insulation used in the project achieved a BRE Green Guide rating of A or A+.
Specialist lighting design and modelling ensures a reduction in night time light pollution.
The building has a central location in Reading area, helping sustainable transport. A travel plan seeks to educate users on the most sustainable options, supported by on-site cycling facilities and storage.
92% of waste recycled and reprocessed on-site during the construction stage. Waste minimisation of through retention of the building structure.
Constructed with water efficient features which has been demonstrated to create a net water use of 5.3 litres/person/day.