Bruntwood unveils plans for Ev0. The 82,000 sq ft timber-framed building at Didsbury Technology Park, will be one of the most sustainable workspaces in the UK.
Designed by Sheppard Robson, Bruntwood Works’ £30m, the six-storey office will aim for the highest standards of sustainability, both during construction and in operation, the developer said.
Ev0 is targeting a 5.5-Star NABERS rating and an ‘Excellent’ certification from BREEAM. The scheme aims to serve as a blueprint for other developers hoping to deliver net zero carbon workspaces.
In addition, Ev0 aims to meet the LETI 2020 design target for upfront carbon, the RIBA 2025 performance targets on whole-life carbon and the UK Green Building Council’s Paris Proof operational energy use targets.
The façade of the building is designed to minimise solar gain and overheating on the south and westerly elevations and to maximise solar gain on the north and east elevations.
Once complete, Bruntwood aims to generate 94% of the energy required to operate the building on site. The remaining energy requirement will be fulfilled by Bruntwood’s recently acquired wind farm in Ayrshire.
A consultation on the scheme is due to open today and a planning application is expected this summer. Subject to planning approval, construction is due to begin in January, with completion slated for April 2024.
“Sustainability runs through the heart of everything we do at Bruntwood Works and the development of Ev0 will be a major milestone on our net-zero journey,” said Ciara Keeling, chief executive at Bruntwood Works. “Now, more than ever, it’s important for businesses to be taking affirmative action to reduce their carbon footprint. That also means being fully transparent when it comes to presenting data and assessments, so it was important to us to create an authentically net-zero carbon workspace.”
The office will be constructed on land between the for-sale Sir William Siemens House, and Spire Bruntwood Works’ Ohm Building at Didsbury Technology Park.
Andrew Butterworth, commercial director at Bruntwood Works, said: “As a leader in its field, Ev0 will help those businesses using the workspace to achieve their own net-zero carbon goals and serve as a blueprint and inspiration for others to follow in their sustainability plans.
“The Ev0 Building will provide a completely unique workspace offering to businesses in the North West and the UK, and the opportunity to work in the established Didsbury Technology Park community, which is already home to a number of leading brands.”
