Sustainability in Construction
Over the past few years, we have seen a significant increase in environmental awareness and a growing interest in reducing our footprint. A range of interrelated mega-trends has slowly but surely changed the business environment and strategic thinking for many companies across all industry sectors. Companies must react to complex, and evolving demands for addressing key global environmental concerns and showcase how their ‘positive impact’ initiatives are reflected through their culture and business progress.
After the ultra-prime property developer Northacre secured planning permission for the site of the former Metropolitan Police Headquarters in 2016 and embarked on their first venture into newbuild, they were looking for a contractor who could not only deliver a high-end development of the scope planned for The Broadway but also in the most environmentally friendly way possible. The competition saw Multiplex win the contract over three other teir one contractors to deliver six towers of thirteen to nineteen storeys offering 355,000 square feet residential space including 268 high-end apartments and 143,000 square feet of commercial and retail.
With its leading position and an inherent commitment to environmentally sustainable design, Multiplex fended off the competition and was appointed the preferred contractor.
Construction Director at Northacre, Robert Gibson commented: “The construction industry is a big user of natural resources and has a huge impact on the environment, with high energy usage accounting for 36% globally and 40% of CO2 emissions. Despite the many challenges involved in adopting sustainable construction methods, we are extremely pleased to be working with a contractor who puts as much effort into protecting the environment and leaving a positive impact in the areas they operate in as Multiplex.”
Multiplex has truly shown the worth of their sustainability capabilities and has achieved a total diversion from landfill rate of 99.9% of construction waste and a 100% diversion from landfill rate of excavation materials. Furthermore, they have used more than 30,000m3 of responsibly sourced construction materials with BES6001 and CARES environmental certification, and 100% of all timber used onsite is from responsibly managed sources all carrying FSC or PEFC certifications.
In terms of energy usage and carbon emissions Multiplex is also at the forefront and is already using 100% renewable energy at The Broadway site, and has increased its already ambitious objective for reducing carbon emissions by targeting a 55% reduction by 2030 in line with the 1.5C trajectory and the Paris Agreement. In-house architects and engineers also ensure that the designs are efficient and capture the latest material and construction techniques from around the world. In fact, research from the European Commission suggests that the use of the latest technologies in construction processes could potentially deliver a remarkable £350bn a year in savings on global energy spending*, which Multiplex is contributing to.
Since January 2019 when the construction of The Broadway began, Multiplex has been working hard in delivering Northacre’s first venture into newbuild. Meticulously planned and with great attention to the environment, The Broadway is now quickly coming out of the ground, and the scope of the development is starting to show with three towers already in sight from areas such as Green Park.
The Broadway is one of the largest, if not the largest, high-end residential schemes in London and is set to become a contemporary lifestyle destination at the heart of one of the capitals most historic districts, providing residential, office and retail with a generous new public space linking Victoria Street with Broadway and Dacre Street.
When completed, The Broadway will comprise of six striking residential towers which have been named after three of the world’s most revered diamonds; The Sancy, The Paragon and The Cullinan with apartments showcasing carefully considered interiors that take advantage of the dramatic quality of light created by the unique exterior.
Elevations are composed with a distinctive vertical expression, referencing the local vernacular in the rhythm of facades and the use of materials sympathetic to the sandstone and brick of the historic Conservation Area. As a whole, the development expresses a transition between the historic architecture and more contemporary design along Victoria Street, whilst providing exemplary accommodation for local residents and businesses.