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COst model, October 2023
Low carbon offices


Multiple pathways are emerging to support the development of low carbon offices, whether through new-build or, increasingly, reuse and adaptation. 

In our latest cost model, experts Brian Smith, Patrick McNamara, and Mark Claridge provide indispensable insights on the future of office design, accompanied with a cost model which looks at the cost and carbon of a typical low carbon office development, comparing drivers and considerations for both a new building and a refurbishment. 

Here are some of the topics du jour:


1. Progress on decarbonisation guidance

Progress is being made in commercial office space decarbonisation. However, a by-product of the numerous guidelines, targets, and standards created to help us reach net zero means that there is not one single accepted definition of what a net zero building is. Resulting in varying, rules for the industry to adhere to. 


2. Public Awareness Driving Sustainable Choices

Rising public knowledge and concern surrounding the climate crisis are placing pressure on developers to deliver decarbonised buildings. People are increasingly demanding that their workspaces align with their values. Almost half of workers want their employers to demonstrate climate and social commitments.


3. Evaluating Refurbishment vs. New Construction

Embodied carbon is the most important and carbon-intensive factor to consider when designing for net zero. The choice between refurbishment and new construction is multifaceted. As such it is pivotal to make an informed decision and consider factors like the existing building condition, form, intended use, and adaptability. 


4. Design Considerations

When deciding what to re-use, and what to build or procure as new, the following design factors should be considered; the substructure, thoughtful and appropriate selection of framing material, structural grids and depths, MEP and finishes.


5. Circularity

Circularity as a concept is gaining traction in construction and design. As well as planning new buildings for circularity, there is also the question of what clients do with their existing asset before it is redeveloped to ensure it is returned to the circular economy.


We are passionate about shaping workspaces that prioritize people, the planet, and progress. You can download our full report and cost model to learn more.

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Contributors
Brian Smith
Director

Brian is the Cost Management lead for UK&I and has over 25 years’ experience leading teams on a variety of different projects within Central London and outside of UK. Brian is a specialist in delivering large and complex projects for a variety of clients and procurement routes. He understands the challenges such projects bring and is an expert at drawing out the key cost and value drivers for a project relating them back and working with the design team achieve their aspirations whist finding a cost effective & sustainable solution

Patrick McNamara
Director

Patrick has 30 years experience working across a number of sectors on projects of varying sizes. Patrick leads one of the London Commercial Sector Cost Management teams and specialises in challenging projects where he can bring his knowledge of construction to drive optimal solutions. He excels in understanding how buildings are constructed and being able to take a step back in order to have a continual overview of the project deliverables. 

Mark Claridge
SW+W Cost Management Regional Lead

Mark is the Cost Management lead for the South West and Wales region and has over 25 years’ experience of working across a broad range of sectors, with more recent experience focused on the Higher Education and Logistics sectors. Mark is committed to sustainable and net zero carbon initiatives and is leading on the development of our suite of cost carbon tools. This includes developing a carbon benchmarking database (both at asset and elemental level), a cost and carbon modelling tool (earlier design stages) and enhancing the functionality of our detailed cost planning software to include carbon data. The ambition is to incorporate embodied carbon assessments within our cost managers business as usual activities ultimately presenting both cost and carbon data side by side.

Acknowledgements:

Adam Parkes, Dan Skidmore, Dave Cheshire and Kallum Desai 

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