#London #United Kingdom #Sumitomo Forestry #London Office #Eco-Friendly Building

Completion of a Six-Story Wooden Office in London

On May 8, 2023, Sumitomo Forestry, a prominent Japanese company, proudly celebrated the completion of its environmentally conscious six-story wooden office in London. Developed in collaboration with Bywater Properties, this building stands as the largest wooden office of its kind in the UK, highlighting the company’s commitment to sustainability within urban environments.

Carbon Emission Reductions

This project emphasizes significant reductions in carbon emissions throughout every phase of development. Utilizing the software 'One Click LCA,' the embedded carbon emissions were analyzed, revealing a reduction to just 413 kg CO2e per square meter of floor area, substantially lower than the Greater London Authority's (GLA) benchmark of 1,000 kg CO2e/m2. This translates to a total of approximately 1,900 tons of CO2 being captured by the structure itself.

Operational Carbon Management

In terms of operational carbon emissions, the office incorporates high thermal performance walls while featuring solar panels on its roof. The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rate for the office achieved an impressive grade of 'A,' demonstrating exceptional energy efficiency. Notably, the building has also been awarded a Platinum score on the WIRED SCORE for smart building design, as well as excellent ratings for the BREEAM environmental certification and a pending Gold for WELL certification, reflecting its commitment to occupant health and sustainability.

Embracing Circular Economy Principles

The design and construction of the building incorporated approximately 2,300 cubic meters of timber, with around 80% of this material designed for reuse after the building's lifecycle. This strategy supports the goals of a circular economy by maximizing resource recycling and enabling long-term carbon capture, setting a precedent for sustainable construction practices in the region.

Background on Sustainable Real Estate Development

As the construction sector accounts for 37% of CO2 emissions worldwide, the need for a reduction in the lifecycle emissions of buildings has never been more pressing. The UK government has established ambitious goals to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, which includes prohibiting the leasing of buildings with an EPC rating below 'F,' a policy already enacted for new contracts and renewals. With only about 20% of office spaces in London meeting B-level ratings or higher as of 2023, the market faces a significant shortfall in environmentally high-performing offices, highlighting the growing demand for sustainable developments.

Features of the New Office

Inside the new office, elements such as beams, columns, and ceilings are showcased, incorporating biophilic design to enhance the natural wood feel. Adjacent to lush parks, it includes facilities for around 100 bicycles and shower rooms, ensuring a comfortable workplace environment. Its landmark wooden architecture also faces major routes in Central London, making it a notable addition to the skyline.

Location and Development Context

Situated along the south bank of the Thames River in a rapidly redeveloped area, this new building is surrounded by offices, residential complexes, and retail spaces. Developments in the vicinity include the UK headquarters of Apple and the site of the new U.S. Embassy in the Battersea and Vauxhall districts, along with London’s busiest station, Waterloo, which is adjacent to the area. Additionally, it is conveniently located near the Westminster district, the site of various government offices such as the MI5 and the Home Office.

Celebration of Completion

The completion ceremony held on May 8 attracted about 70 attendees, including construction contractors, banking partners, government officials, and media representatives. The event featured speeches from representatives followed by a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and guided tours of the office, underscoring the local interest in wooden, environmentally friendly office spaces.

As part of its global initiative, Sumitomo Forestry aims to enhance carbon absorption through sustainable forestry management and the production and distribution of wooden building materials. With a long-term vision dubbed "Mission TREEING 2030," the company is dedicated to expanding its global initiatives towards carbon neutrality, making strides in the UK while promoting a sustainable future.

In summary, Sumitomo Forestry’s new office building in London not only represents a leap forward in sustainable construction practices but also aligns with the wider efforts to solve urban housing challenges and reduce carbon footprints across the sector.