St. Modwen Logistics, a leading logistics developer and manager, has boosted the regeneration of Longbridge and surrounding areas with a further £20m investment to build a 155,000 sq ft sustainable warehouse that could create more than 300 jobs to continue to boost the local economy.
The Longbridge 155 warehouse development, located at The Cofton Centre next to the former MG Rover plant, is due for completion in October 2022. It will showcase St. Modwen’s Swan Standard commitment – a set of industry-leading sustainable development guidelines with a focus on responsible building practices that allows its customers to target true Net Zero Carbon in operation.
A Whole Life Carbon model is being introduced to drive more naturally based materials into the design, to enhance the embedded sustainability and mitigate the need for carbon offsetting. Whole Life Carbon emissions are those produced from both the construction and use of the building over its entire lifespan.
The development demonstrates a significant investment in sustainability and delivers a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, targets an EPC A+ rating and is expected to achieve an overall carbon reduction of 53% compared with energy requirements set out in the UK Building Regulations (Part L).
The office space – comprising 12,626 sq ft – will be operationally Net Zero Carbon, achieved by limiting the operational energy demands and embodied carbon emissions. This includes the use of an energy efficient hybrid air source heat pump, smart metering, and further sustainable enhancements such as AAA rated white goods which reduce electrical use, low energy lifts, and recycled carpets.
The warehouse space will include several environmental credentials including triple-skinned GRP roof lights which reduce glare and overheating; built-up cladding which provides excellent air tightness and is fully recyclable; 20% electric vehicle charging; and PV solar panels, all of which underpin the BREEAM Excellent and EPC A+ rating.
Polly Troughton, Managing Director at St. Modwen Logistics, said: “St. Modwen Logistics is committed to investing in projects that deliver quality, sustainable developments which support local economic growth and generate jobs.
“Our Swan Standard philosophy is core to our sustainability and responsible business practices; it underpins our journey of using sustainable materials in our buildings and enabling operational Net Zero Carbon office space. This sets the benchmark for our future developments, is a positive step forward towards our Net Zero Carbon ambitions, and offers minimal carbon impact for our customers.”