Robert Lunn, project architect at Make said: “This was a real labour of love and one that can only be achieved with a collaborative team effort. We have looked at everything from best practice commissioning, enhancing transport provisions and energy metering, to an embodied carbon review of the superstructure materials and a reduction strategy that will hopefully be put in place in the construction. There are no shortcuts with an accreditation of this nature, and it really requires buy-in from all members of the design team, but has been driven from the outset by the client. Hopefully by securing ‘Outstanding’ on a scheme of this size, in a dense location on the boundary of Islington and the City of London, we have demonstrated unequivocally that it can be done and hope it will encourage others to follow suit.”
Tim Sketchley, managing director at Old Park Lane Management Ltd, said: “At OPLML, we take a long-term view of our assets, and try to ensure our core values for quality and placemaking are upheld. This translates for sustainability too, to create healthy and environmentally robust working environments, so although the Islington planning requirement was for BREEAM ‘Excellent’ (2014), we wanted to push for ‘Outstanding’, for it to be the best of its kind. It’s the right thing to do, for the environment and for the people who work in the building. We are delighted to have secured the ranking. It is a testament to the hard work of our team and to the standard of development that 20 Ropemaker Street will provide.”
David Ainsworth, chief executive at CO–RE, said: “Our team has doggedly analysed and pursued improving the design from a sustainability and wellbeing perspective, to integrate measures into the design and to continue this through to construction and longer-term building management.”
20 Ropemaker Street has pre-let about 70% of the building to Linklaters, one of the UK’s ‘Magic Circle’ law firms. The team is now on site, with construction expected to complete in 2023.
