VolkerFitzpatrick delivers UK’s first BREEAM Outstanding building under new guidance
Apex Park DC10, a 433,000ft2 industrial unit in Daventry, is the first completed building in the UK to achieve an ‘Outstanding’ rating under the latest BREEAM ‘New Construction 2018’ guidance. The project was delivered by VolkerFitzpatrick, for Prologis, one of the business’ long-term clients.
BREEAM is the world’s leading sustainability rating system for assessing the environmental impact of new non-domestic buildings. The organisation’s ‘New Construction 2018 update’ introduced new technical requirements during the construction specification process, including measuring unregulated and embodied energy; transport; health and wellbeing developments; and ensuring robustness in a changing climate.
VolkerFitzpatrick surpassed the contractual obligation of a ‘Very Good’ rating, to achieve ‘Outstanding’ for the Apex Park DC10 development, which registered an impressive 56 percent reduction in whole-life total carbon emissions (embodied and operational)*.
This was achieved through a range of measures, including the use of alternative cement replacement products and re-using materials, such as crushed concrete and recycled aggregate, from site.
The development also uses a range of climate mitigation measures, such as rainwater harvesting and electric vehicle charging facilities. In addition, a 1.2MW roof-mounted photovoltaic array powers low-energy LED lighting and air-source heat pumps, helping to achieve the building’s carbon-neutral regulated energy and A+ Energy Performance Certificate.
To ensure ‘whole-life’ sustainability, Apex Park DC10 supports a circular economy by being ‘Designed for Disassembly’, a design principle that ensures a building’s components and materials can be either recycled or removed easily for re-use on another building.
Stuart Deverill, divisional managing director for VolkerFitzpatrick, said: “The team has worked with efficiency and diligence, to ensure Apex Park DC10 was completed to the highest possible standard. The BREEAM Outstanding rating is a fantastic accomplishment.”
*Assessment was certified by independent third-party, Planet Mark.