The opportunity

The new Data Sciences and Central Services Facility for VLA, Defra was to be an exemplar sustainable development, designed to set the standard for future construction projects.

The operation

From the onset of our involvement we continually contributed towards making this landmark building sustainable; time was set aside to obtain materials from sustainable sources, the manufacture of the steelwork was carried out as near to the site as possible to reduce transport. Whenever possible materials were obtained from sources within 25 miles of the site and waste was reduced, segregated and re-used or recycled. In addition, targets were set during construction to monitor the energy, water and fuel consumption alongside CO2 emissions.

The specifications included the use of Thermodeck planks to balance heating and cooling peaks, plank soffits exposed in room spaces to add additional unit efficiency through their radiant effect, perimeter windows, re-usable building materials and a glazed atrium to enable most of the building to be naturally lit.

The result

The building achieved an outstanding BREAM rating and added its own specification within its sustainability charter.

As a viable and sustainable business, which has been recognised though our achievement of the BCSA Silver standard sustainability award and the inaugural ISG Sustainability Award, we're proud to have participated on this project, which placed such high standards and demands on the achievement of sustainable practices.