Green office guide: Selecting a low carbon building

When assessing a building's environmental impact, you need to consider two key types of carbon emissions:

Embodied carbon

Embodied carbon considerations start with the building fabric itself. Leading industry standards emphasise reusing existing structures where possible, with an increasing focus on adaptable office design and recyclable green office building materials.

For example, an office fit out can prioritise circular principles, with materials coming from reused sources and being suitable for future repurposing or recycling at end-of-life.

Operational carbon

These emissions come from daily operations - heating, cooling, lighting, and other energy usage. The focus here is on efficient systems, renewable energy sources, and smart building management to minimise ongoing carbon impact.

SKA Rating

Focused specifically on office fit outs, a SKA rating evaluates around 100 good practice measures across eight sustainability areas, particularly useful if you're planning to modify the space.

BREEAM

The Building Research Establishment's Environmental Assessment Method is internationally recognised as a leading sustainability assessment. Ratings range from Pass to Outstanding, evaluating:

• Energy use and efficiency
• Health and wellbeing features
• Innovation in sustainable design
• Environmental impact of materials
• Waste and water management

HVAC and ventilation

MEP systems typically contribute towards over 20% of a building's whole life carbon output. Evaluate:

• System age and maintenance history
• Natural ventilation capabilities
• Zoned temperature controls
• Recent recommissioning records

Location and accessibility

A building's location significantly impacts its overall carbon footprint and your emissions. Recent data shows that transport-related emissions can substantially affect a building's total environmental impact.

Key location factors to assess:

• Public transport links within walking distance
• Secure bicycle storage and shower facilities
• Local amenities reducing car dependency
• EV charging infrastructure
• Access to green spaces

Consider how the location will affect your employees' commuting patterns. Buildings that enable sustainable transport choices naturally reduce your organisation's carbon footprint while promoting employee wellbeing.

Adaptation potential

Assess the building's capacity for:

• System upgrades and improvements
• Integration of new technologies
• Flexible space configuration
• Renewable energy installation

Technology integration

Smart building technology can significantly reduce operational carbon:

• Building management systems
• Energy monitoring capabilities
• Automated lighting and HVAC controls
• Data collection and reporting tools