The Cardiff Interchange – a new multi-purpose development in the heart of the Welsh capital containing over 300 homes – has become the first building in the UK to achieve Home Quality Mark ONE (HQM ONE) interim certification at design stage.
HQM ONE is BRE’s new benchmarking standard for sustainability and quality and it is set to play a crucial role in reducing the carbon footprint of homes – responsible for up to 40% of all UK carbon emissions – and helping the UK to reach its 2050 net zero target.
The Cardiff Interchange, owned by Legal & General, is not only the first project anywhere in the world to be certified under HQM ONE at design stage but is also the first development in Wales to gain any HQM certification. Located in Central Square, the new 500,000 sq ft development which neighbours the BBC’s Cardiff office, is set to include a 14-bay bus station and a 12-storey office space alongside the 318 HQM-certified buy-to-rent apartments, once construction is completed at the end of 2022.
Gillian Charlesworth, Chief Executive of BRE Group said: “Making buildings fit for the future is central to the work we do at BRE and it is fantastic that an exciting new project like the Cardiff Interchange, which will provide homes for hundreds of people, has become the first building to achieve an HQM ONE certification at design stage.”
“At BRE, we are doing everything we can to support the Government’s goal of achieving net zero and we believe that the roll out of HQM ONE can play a significant part in this, while ensuring that new homes are meeting high standards of quality and comfort for occupants.”
Dan Batterton, Senior Fund Manager Build to Rent Fund, LGIM Real Assets said: “We are delighted to have received a HQM One certification for The Cardiff Interchange Build to Rent scheme – it is testament to the hard-work and dedication of all involved to ensure our net zero commitments are met.
Forming an integral part of Legal & General’s wider £450 million regeneration scheme in Cardiff city centre, our stand-out build to rent scheme has been brought forward as a collaborative effort with government stakeholders and Cardiff-based developer Rightacres. The scheme will be key in positioning the city as one of the UK’s leading places to live, work and invest.”
