A new era of sustainable workplace design has arrived in Birmingham with the unveiling of 19 Cornwall Street, a landmark 139,000 sq ft net zero carbon office building in the heart of the city’s business district.
Setting a new benchmark for energy-efficient commercial spaces, the building has achieved a NABERS 5 Star Design Reviewed Target Rating, underscoring its credentials as one of the most sustainable office developments in the UK.
The project brought together a world-class team of consultants including:
- Architects: Associated Architects
- MEP Engineers: Hydrock
- Structural Engineers: SBK Consulting
- Sustainability Advisors: Cundall
- Employer’s Agents & Cost Consultants: Gardiner & Theobald
Every aspect of the building has been crafted with sustainability and occupier wellbeing in mind.
The result is a low-impact, energy-efficient and future-proof office space that significantly reduces operating costs for tenants.
Key sustainable features of 19 Cornwall Street:
- Targeting BREEAM Excellent certification
- Targeting WELL Gold certification
- NABERS 5 Star Design Reviewed Target Rating
- A Rated Energy Performance Certificate
- All-electric building with zero on-site fossil fuel consumption
- Integrated photovoltaic panels and high-performance façade to reduce energy demand
- Openable windows and natural ventilation to atrium for enhanced tenant wellbeing
- Smart building technology including real-time energy and air quality monitoring
- Extensive cycle storage, showers and changing facilities to promote sustainable commuting
- Use of low carbon materials and modern methods of construction (equivalent to LETI Band A+ (Upfront Carbon, A1-A5)
- Biophilic design elements to enhance indoor air quality and employee wellbeing
These forward-thinking design choices not only reduce the building’s environmental impact but also significantly cut energy bills and operational expenses for occupiers, making 19 Cornwall Street a financially as well as environmentally sound choice.
Leigh Thomas, group managing director, Kier Property, said: "19 Cornwall Street sets a new standard for commercial buildings in the UK. We’ve combined design excellence with environmental ambition to deliver a workspace that doesn’t just look great but truly performs. “By achieving a NABERS 5 Star Design Reviewed Target Rating and focusing on long-term energy efficiency, we’re offering occupiers a future-proofed, low-cost, high-performance building at the heart of Birmingham’s commercial district.
“The building marks a major milestone in Birmingham’s transition to a low-carbon economy."
