Aurora, Bristol’s only speculative office building, has scooped a rare BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ accreditation – an indicator of its excellent sustainability credentials.
The 95,000 sq ft building is part of Finzels Reach, the new quarter being created in the heart of Bristol by Bristol based developer Cubex. The scheme achieved a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ design stage certificate under the BREEAM New Construction 2014 for Offices assessment category. It is the only office building outside of London and one of only six in the UK to have achieved this accreditation.
Gavin Bridge, director at Cubex, said: “It is fantastic news that Aurora has been recognised with this rare award for its outstanding environmental credentials. Not only is Aurora the only speculative office building in Bristol, where the availability of Grade A space is at a historic low, but it has now set a benchmark for sustainable office development in the city.
“Sustainability has played a key role in the design of Aurora from the outset, with key features including rooftop mounted solar panels, intelligent LED lighting, water saving technology and an important emphasis on creating a healthy environment within which to work. Future occupiers of the building will also benefit from a roof terrace garden with views across the city, as well as bicycle storage facilities, lockers and showers on site.”
Other energy efficiency measures include a heat recovery system, which reuses waste heat and continually supplies fresh air to workers, whilst the solar panels will generate 29,800 kWh per year of renewable energy.
A sophisticated building management system will ensure the office environment is comfortable for occupiers and the intelligent LED lighting will respond to daylight and the movement of people within the building automatically.
Aurora will be a landmark headquarters building in Bristol’s central business district of Grade A quality, a term used to describe brand new premier office space.
Gavin Bridge added: “We are confident that we will have a lot of interest in Aurora from organisations across the city and from further afield. It also presents a fantastic opportunity for companies working on the Hinkley Point C development to be able to take space right next door to EDF, which has its headquarters for the project at the neighbouring Bridgewater House.”
Carbon Consult Limited has worked alongside the Aurora team as BREEAM assessor and accredited professional from early design stages to ensure sustainable aspects of Aurora were maximised and to achieve the BREEAM rating.
Aurora will consist of six storeys, with each floor measuring 15,500 sq ft. Its striking façade and double height reception area will lead through to a central glass atrium which will extend to the full height of the building.
There will also be 51 secure car parking spaces, electric car charging points and secure motorcycle and bicycle storage. Cubex expects the building to be ready for fit out by the end of this year.
