Refurbishment achieves highest ever BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ score
The highest-ever BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ score for both new-build and existing structures has been achieved by the live refurbishment of PwC’s 9-storey headquarters at One Embankment Place in London. The 96.31 score includes a 100% score for materials, transport and management.
This 42 000 m2 commercial office building comprises a basement below Charing Cross Station and nine floors of office space above it. The workspaces had become outdated and inefficient.
The project involved a complete office refit and refurbishment, as well as full replacement of central plant in the basement areas, roof and terraces while some 2000 staff remained in occupation.
The work included the installation of a biofuel CCHP system, with adsorption chillers using biofuel from locally collected and refined waste vegetable oil. The biofuel is certified to EN14214, making it a clean carbon-neutral resource with A-rated energy performance.
Other features include waterless urinals and flow-flush toilets. There is also comprehensive metering strategy and building-management system, with an interactive screen in reception confirming the building’s energy usage. A staircase in the atria promotes vertical movement without the use of lifts.
Gavin Dunn, director of BREEAM, comments, ‘This impressive BREEAM score for this iconic building shows just how much can be accomplished. This project is a fantastic testament to PwC’s determination to achieve a high rating and to the project’s innovate and highly committed deliver team.’
Chapman BDSP was responsible for the building services.
