High-quality sustainable industrial unit on vacant site

Thesis

The built environment is responsible for about 37% of all carbon emissions globally. So improving energy efficiency is of the most important factors in achieving Net Zero carbon emissions.

Meanwhile the rise in e-commerce – accelerated by the pandemic – has driven greater investment in urban and last-mile logistics; and factors such as use diversification and re-shoring are helping to sustain demand.

So low-carbon logistics facilities are becoming increasingly attractive to organisations as a way to meet consumer demand, cut operating costs, accelerate their own Net Zero journey by reducing emissions, and future-proof their real estate portfolio against incoming regulation.

Investment

Planning has been secured to build a single B2/B8 industrial/ storage unit of c.52,000 sq. ft. on this prominent site in Bracknell, which had once housed the local ice rink but had been lying vacant since lockdown. Construction is now under way on site.

Outcomes

The scheme is designed to a highly sustainable BREEAM “Excellent”, EPC A+ and Net Zero Carbon standard. The proposals expect to deliver a biodiversity net gain of c.35% as well as improving the health, well-being and productivity of the occupants (due to better environmental conditions and initiatives such as cycling/shower, appropriate daylighting provision).