Signatories of Westminster City Council and WPA’s Sustainable City Charter were given an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of The Forge (SE1) – Landsec’s first net zero carbon office development to be constructed and operated in line with the UK Green Building Council’s framework definition of net zero carbon buildings. The Forge has a BREEAM Excellent rating, a 5-star NABERS UK design stage rating and is powered by 100% renewable energy.
The event began with a networking session on the 7th floor with views overlooking the Tate Modern and was followed by a presentation from Neil Pennell (Head of Design Innovation and Property Solutions, Landsec). Neil explained how The Forge – the world’s first large-scale office scheme using a standardised “kit of parts” – an approach known as platform design for manufacture and assembly (P-DfMA), was built. Neil highlighted how this approach and an integrated digital strategy from the beginning of the building’s design, to recording and tracking during construction had led to several key innovations and improvements, including:
- Faster, better, safer, greener & cost effective construction
- Increased off-site manufacturing
- On-site assembly methodologies
- Automated processes
- Productivity measurement
During a tour of the site, the group saw first-hand some of the development’s key net zero features. The tour ended in the onsite bike storage which is in place as part of Landsec’s commitment to supporting net zero travel.
You can find out more about the Sustainable City Charter here.
