CEG’s 200,000 sq ft EQ development will be Bristol’s first new build office to deliver Carbon Net Zero in Operation in accordance with the UK Green Building Council’s (UKGBC) framework approach.
The building’s Carbon Net Zero credentials also support Bristol City Council’s declaration of a climate emergency and pledge to become carbon neutral by 2030.
Due for completion in February 2023, the striking glass building at 111 Victoria Street is the largest speculative office development currently underway in the south of England. Once complete, it will become home to more than 2,000 workers.
Sustainability has been at the heart of the design for EQ with initiatives including:
- All electric building – with 100% green electric
- On-site renewable energy provision through photovoltaic units on the roof (capable of saving 25t of carbon dioxide each year)
- Connection to Bristol City Council’s District Heating Network
- Rainwater recycling (saving 2,000 litres of water per occupant each year)
- A fabric first design – a more efficient façade reduces the amount of energy the building needs
- The use of SMART Technologies to enable the optimum control to drive operational performance
- Priority access for cyclists with a dedicated bicycle entrance and ramp from Temple Street to secure basement cycle parking (more than 260 spaces) and health club quality changing and shower facilities
- Each of the 32 car spaces has an electric charging point and e-bike charging points are included
- Designed to meet BREEAM Outstanding and targeting EPC A
Ian Wills, Director at Jones Lang LaSalle, commented “Many businesses are planning how they are going to reduce their carbon footprint, and those that haven’t soon will. Staff, customers, and investors will demand it and so will the tax man! Buildings like EQ are leading the way and offers its occupiers a quick-win on their journey to de-carbonise their operations.”
Aligned with the UKGBC’s framework, CEG has prioritised reductions in energy demand and consumption and is maximising opportunities for low carbon and renewable energy. Energy consumption will be calculated and results published to ensure the carbon net zero in operation targets are met, and to encourage occupants to better understand and embrace this sustainable approach.
The building will also raise the bar in terms of quality and occupant wellbeing, providing 20,000 sq ft of occupier amenities such as a rooftop bar, restaurant and business lounge with communal terrace, ground floor café kitchen, 50 seat auditorium, as well as a fitness suite and break out space. It will offer flexible floor plates of 27,377 sq ft.
Phil Lines, UK Director at BuroHappold Engineering, commented “EQ balances two of the most important issues in the built environment; wellbeing and sustainability. Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing has always been a key driver for this project. As industry leaders in building performance, Buro Happold has worked closely with CEG and the design team to ensure that EQ delivers an exceptional workspace whilst also being at the forefront of low energy design and sustainability. EQ is exciting and has really raised the bar in workplace design.”
Paul Richardson, investment manager at CEG, explains: “Our approach to sustainability is ambitious and embedded into everything we do. Working closely with our architects and engineers we have pushed the innovation boundaries to ensure well-being, technology and sustainability are at the heart of the EQ development. As a result we are delivering the first new build office development in Bristol to commit to being Carbon Net Zero in Operation in accordance with the UKGBC framework.”
Andy Heath, Partner at Cushman & Wakefield, added “Occupiers are seeing this moment as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of improving the office and, at the same time, ensuring they are improving the environment. The way we use offices is changing forever and, whilst its early to see any real post pandemic trends, the key theme is that occupiers want the best quality office space and that is exactly what EQ offers, both physically and sustainably.”
CEG has one of the largest office development pipelines in Bristol, offering some 400,000 sq ft in its local portfolio at The Quorum, The Crescent Centre, 1000 Aztec West and EQ.
The Quorum has been recently refurbished, and a planning consent has been granted to redesign/ re-configure the Crescent Centre.
The team is also preparing to deliver a multimillion-pound redevelopment and extension of 1000 Aztec West. The comprehensive refurbishment will create a one of a kind 79,000 sq ft headquarter office building located on Bristol’s premier business park.
