AmicusHorizon’s new reception area at its Croydon head office has received a top award that recognises environmental best practice.
The housing organisation’s Grosvenor House reception is among just 49 buildings in the UK to receive a coveted Ska Gold rating.
The rating system covers areas such as reducing energy usage and waste, and using environmentally sustainable materials.
The accolade was presented to AmicusHorizon's Chief Executive, Paul Hackett, when the ground floor reception area officially opened.
Ska assessors praised the “contemporary modern day” design created by 360 Design Solutions. The design has opened up the entire front of the building with extensive use of glass, creating a bright welcoming retail-type environment which provides “excellent natural and artificial lighting.”
The assessors also praised the fit-out by commercial fit-out contractor Cube Interior Solutions which “surpasses” the standards required by regulations.
All materials used in construction passed stringent guidelines on environmental good practice. Materials were monitored for their recycled content and were benchmarked against what alternatives were available in the market.
Furniture, including desks, chairs and soft-seating, was carefully selected by Sketch Studios to ensure it was sourced responsibly, and had high recyclable content. Wherever possible, existing furniture was used.
Mathew Byway, director of Alphacello Ltd who are accredited Ska assessors, said: “The entire AmicusHorizon project team should be commended for delivering a project where sustainability and occupant comfort were at the forefront of the design.
By implementing best practice environmental measures the office has diverted 90 per cent of waste from landfill, minimised CO2 emissions and energy usage, and provided a bright, well ventilated and comfortable office space.”
The origins of Ska goes back to 2005, when the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) set up a project to measure the environmental effects of an office fit-out.
Bunmi Atta, Regional Development and Commercial Property Director at AmicusHorizon, said: “Making sure the entire project was environmentally friendly was at the heart of everything we did right from the beginning. We're really pleased to have been rewarded with the Ska Gold rating.”