Landsec’s first UK net zero carbon office development The Forge was opened today by the chair of the Net Zero Review Rt Hon Chris Skidmore MP.
Located behind the Tate Modern in Southwark, The Forge provides 140,000 sq ft of office space across two buildings – Bronze and Phosphor – positioned around an open public courtyard.
Landsec said The Forge was the UK’s first commercial development designed in line with the UKGBC’s definition of a net zero building and the first office to be built using the highly sustainable platform approach to design for manufacture and assembly (P-DfMA). The building will achieve Well Gold Core, NABERS UK 5 Stars and BREEAM Excellent.
Oliver Knight, head of workplace at Landsec said: “Sustainable office space is in high demand as businesses are increasingly focused on meeting their ESG targets. The Forge, along with the wider green office cluster we’re bringing forward in Southwark, is primed to capitalise on this emerging requirement.
“The Forge is a landmark space with the potential to transform the way the industry approaches sustainable construction. The techniques we’ve used have allowed us to deliver a truly net-zero space which doesn’t compromise on design, amenities or location.”
Rt Hon Chris Skidmore MP, chair of the Net Zero Review added: “The Independent Review of Net Zero acknowledged that improving operational energy and reducing embodied carbon in commercial buildings can bring competitive advantages to UK businesses. The approach taken at The Forge shows what can be achieved when sustainability is embedded into the design and operation of a space.
“Transitioning to a net-zero economy will require innovation, collaboration, and a willingness to take risks. By pioneering different approaches and taking learnings from other industries, Landsec has been able to create new construction techniques that can be applied across the entire industry.”
The Forge was designed by architects Piercy & Co and Bryden Wood. Construction was led by a joint venture between Mace and Sir Robert McAlpine. Leasing agents are CBRE and Union Street Partners.
