Type of Project: BREEAM International In-use: Commercial
Location: 88 Wood Street
Scope of BREEAM International In-use: Commercial Version 6
88 Wood Street is a commercial building that accommodates workspaces, with a gross internal floor area of 103,305 m2, with three distinctive blocks over approximately 22,296.73 m2 (net lettable) of fully air-conditioned offices from ground level to seventeen upper floors. The building contains a communal business lounge and café, 233 cycle racks, 24 showers plus one accessible, and a multipurpose wellness studio.
Sustain Quality were appointed to carry out a BREEAM In-Use Assessment for 88 Wood Street, Barbican, London EC2V 7QR, with the aim of BREEAM to assess, encourage and reward environmental, social and economic sustainability throughout the built environment.
Our role was to assist the Client in understanding their commitment to fully comply with the BREEAM credit criteria to achieve an ‘Excellent’ rating. This was done through continuous communication, guidance, and assessment of evidence submitted by building management.
Tools for Task Implementation
The BREEAM In-use categories are used to assess performance, benchmark and certify in two parts. Part 2, Management Performance, was used to assess 88 Wood Street.
Within each of the categories, credits were targeted, and scores were achieved through robust evidence. These categories are as follows: management, health and wellbeing, energy, water, resources, resilience, land use and ecology, pollution, and exemplary/innovation.
Using BREEAM International In-use: Commercial Version 6, an initial ‘very good’ rating was submitted. After receiving the feedback from BRE, an opportunity to achieve an ‘Excellent’ rating was identified. Consequently, we decided to add credits and pursue the ‘Excellent’ rating at the final stage.
All aspects were signed off within the Confirmation Statement, agreeing to the achievement of the credits targeted. Used in conjunction with BREEAM Trackers and the BREEAM portal.
Challenges for Task Implementation
88 Wood Street was initially submitted for a ‘Very Good’ certification. After receiving feedback from BRE, our team revised the comments and documentation and recognised an opportunity for the building to achieve an ‘Excellent’ score. Therefore, credits were added at the last stage, adding minor complications to the assessment.
Solutions
We collaborated closely with the client and building management to enhance their operations and management to achieve BREEAM Excellent certification and improve their sustainability.
Water
– Flow water flow specified
– Water meter connected to BMS.
– Verified water consumption data compared against targets and reported internally
– The water strategy includes replacing water appliances and fittings with low water use equivalents during refurbishment
– The water strategy includes a proactive maintenance policy for installed water systems
Waste
– Data recorded on the waste generated during management of the asset
– Targets have been set for reducing waste generated from the asset and increasing reuse and recycling of waste from the asset
– The organisation managing the asset actively encourages reuse and recycling participation by occupant(s)
Energy
– Energy Audit is carried out regularly and all measures with a play back period of 5 years or less are implemented.
– Energy Consumption data is compared against Tagerts and reported on internally and published in a annual public report.
– Targets in place and reviewed regularly (at least annually) to reduce carbon emissions.
Impacts on biodiversity
– An Ecology Report has been prepared by a Suitably Qualified ecologist.
– All minor and major recommendations for increasing the site’s ecological value has been implemented to make a significant contribution to biodiversity.
– The Green Wall absorbs carbon dioxide whilst producing oxygen through photosynthesis. It is over 83 sq. m. and contains just under 8,000 plants.
Key Achievements
The building achieved a BREEAM International In-Use: Commercial Version 6 ‘Excellent’ certification.
A special commendation goes to the indoor air quality management of 88 Wood Street. The score in this category was outstanding, achieving 6 out of 6 credits. This is owing to the building management ensuring that there is good indoor quality in the building to support the health of occupants and promote their productivity, by monitoring the indoor air quality of the building twice a year and creating a report, by regularly inspecting and cleaning the ventilation system components and having a plan for cleaning the interior of the asset.
Benefits for Clients
• Reduces operational costs
• Supports routes to net zero
• Contributes to ESG
• Mitigates Environmental Impact
• Provides one assessment for multiple sustainability outcomes
• Enhances economic and social value
• Supports disclosures and reporting requirements
• Provides independent third-party assurance on asset performance and sustainability
• Drive sales and rental values
Location
88 Wood Street, London