Sustainable Office Refurbishment: A Case Study in Maximising Efficiency and Minimising Waste

Background

In today’s rapidly evolving corporate landscape, sustainability and efficiency are no longer optional but essential. Our Broadgate Tower Phase 1a project highlights an office refurbishment encompassing circa 22,000 sq.ft, undertaken with the dual goals of achieving a high quality finish while minimising environmental impact. The project focused on modifying existing floor plates by retaining as much of the existing fit out as possible, thereby reducing demolition, waste and reducing carbon.?

Project Team

A collaborative team effort was crucial to the successful completion of the project and some real lateral thinking applied to deliver a great result. The team included:

• Project Manager: B&CO
• Client: British Land
• Main Contractor: Thirdway
• Cost Consultant: T&T Alinea
• MEPH Consultant: Cundall

Project Details

The refurbishment project was designed to maximise the use of existing layouts with menial partition relocations. This approach not only streamlined the process but also significantly reduced waste. The project included the following elements:?

• Upgraded Finishes and Furniture: Enhancements were made to the finishes and furniture to ensure a high quality aesthetic while retaining the integrity of the existing partitions.?
• Mechanical and Electrical Systems: Comprehensive validations of the existing mechanical and electrical systems were completed. Repairs and minor updates were conducted as needed, ensuring functionality and efficiency without unnecessary replacement.?
• Fast Paced Programme: By reusing and repurposing the majority of the existing fit outs, the project was able to adhere to a fast paced programme.?
• Construction Value: The total construction cost was circa ￡2 million (￡65psf), reflecting a cost effective approach to a high quality refurbishment.?

Sustainability Highlights

A cornerstone of this Broadgate Tower project was its strong emphasis on sustainability. Key sustainable practices included:

• Carbon Footprint: With CAT A providing an estimated carbon footprint of 104 kgCO2/m2 we achieved significant reduction and offered high quality CAT B space.
• LED Lighting: The introduction of LED lighting throughout the space significantly improved energy efficiency and offered an 80% reduction in energy use vs fluorescent fittings.
• Furniture Reuse: A strategic mix of reused and new furniture was utilised, on average 58% of the furniture was reused across the floors.
• Recycled Materials: The project made extensive use of recycled materials. For example, raised floor (100%) ancillary space ceramic tiles (23% recycled content), and tiles to the washroom areas (80% recycled content).?
• Carpet and Acoustic Panels: These were made from 100% recyclable materials and are available on a ‘take back’ scheme at the end of their life cycle, ensuring they can be recycled rather than ending up in landfill at the end of the project life cycle.?

Conclusion?

The Broadgate Tower Phase 1a office refurbishment project serves as a model for how to achieve a balance between quality and sustainability. By prioritising the reuse of existing materials and systems, the project team was able to deliver a high quality finish with minimal environmental impact in a short term timescale.?

Through thoughtful design and strategic reuse, this project not only met but exceeded its goals, setting a new standard or further refurbishments. The commitment to sustainability demonstrated here is a great example of the industry, proving that it is possible to achieve great results whilst looking after the environment.?

The successful collaboration between B&CO, Cundall, Thirdway, T&T Alinea and British Land showcases the power of teamwork and innovation in creating sustainable workspaces.