Brent is set to have the UK’s greenest-ever municipal building, thanks to Skanska’s expertise and design.
The new Brent Civic Centre has been awarded an ‘Outstanding’ BRE Environment Assessment Method (BREEAM) Interim Certificate – Design Stage, a significant environmental milestone.
To achieve the 85% score and ‘A’ rated energy performance certificate at the highest possible level, Skanska researched extensively a range of solutions to improve the building’s environmental performance.
The team scored 7.5% over and above the required level by targeting elements of the building services, such as lighting and pumping controls. For example, to reduce the carbon footprint and improve construction efficiency, the application of integrated air source heat pump air-handling units meant pipe work and pumps have been eliminated. By applying new technologies, a reduction of 33% in the primary heating and cooling plant has also been achieved.
Other solutions the team applied include:
- A waste bio-fuel-powered tri-generation plant
- An advanced dry water treatment flushing process
- Low - energy lighting systems
- Valve and metering systems
These solutions have not only reduced significantly the carbon footprint of the design, but have also reduced any associated Nitrogen Oxide emissions, the use of fresh water and the consumption of fossil fuels.
Over the next six months, the team will submit proof documents to the BREEAM assessor. These will demonstrate the building has been constructed in accordance with the design submission.
Once these have been reviewed and signed off, the team will be issued with a post-construction certificate and Brent Civic Centre will be confirmed as the greenest public building in the UK.
Paul Heather, Managing Director, Building – London and South East division, commented: “This a fantastic achievement, not only for the project team, but Skanska as a whole.
“As the UK’s greenest company, it is our job to set environmental precedents and this project is a great example of us doing this. As a team, we are looking forward to our next challenge.”
Aktar Choudhury, Brent Civic Centre, Programme Director, Brent Council, commented: “On behalf of Brent Council and the Civic Centre Programme Board, I would like to thank Skanska, the design team and consultants for this brilliant achievement.
“This is an objective we have shared passionately between us so this is a great moment for everyone involved with the project.”
Councillor George Crane, Lead Member for Regeneration and Major Projects said: “I would like to thank everyone at Skanska UK and their design team who have been involved in achieving the BREEAM Outstanding award.
“We are delighted that our partnership has produced such a fantastic result. The civic centre is a stunning development and we are looking forward to its completion, opening and occupation.”