There has been a conscious environmental movement over the past few years that has been picking up much steam in a wide variety of sectors.
In 2009, the city of London saw an excellent environmental building addition, the 7 More London development next to Tower Bridge.
Following its completion, 7 More was rated the most environmentally friendly building in London – and the third most eco friendly structure in the UK.
The Building
7 More may look like just another business building filled with executive London offices, but its construction involved green building solutions and environmentally friendly building materials, resulting in not only a visually appealing building, but an earth-friendly structure, that was recognised by BREEAM (BRE Environmental Assessment Method) sustainability assessors and received an “outstanding” rating. To receive such recognition is a true honour for any environmental construction project.
The Methods & Materials
Among some environmental building materials used was glass which allowed more natural light into the building – cutting down on the need for electric lighting. Other environmentally friendly features and measures taken included:
- solar shading,
- solar hot water panels,
- green roofing,
- heat recovery system, and
- fully automated metering facilities & gren building management systems.
CCHP
One key design aspect, and one that played a major factor in the building receiving its BREEAM “outstanding” rating, was an innovative environmental building concept, namely, a Bio-Diesel fired CCHP (Combined Cooling Heating & Power) Trigeneration system. The CCHP provides a low-carbon source of cooling, heating and power to the building. This has resulted in the building generating 74% less CO2 emissions than that allowed (under the 2006 Part L2 Building Regulations).
7 More, which takes its place among the most environmental buildings in the UK, was designed by Fosters & Partners, and the innovative CCHP Trigeration system was designed by Roger Preston & Partners. All corporate tenants are dedicated to maintaining the environmental ethos of the building they now occupy.
The Future
When it comes to the green movement, there is definitely an important role to be played by the construction sector – with the “greening” of office buildings and luxury residential properties alike. Obviously the sheer size of large corporate buildings will have more of an impact on the environment and strict environmental building guidelines should be followed. 7 More of London serves as a testament to the fact that one needn’t sacrifice anything when reducing a building’s carbon footprint and being an environmental business.
