A Sustainable Office Retrofit For RICS
Modus Workspace has recently completed an impressive project that achieved high standards for energy and material efficiency. The project involved the refurbishment of the 5th floor at RICS 55 Colmore Row in Birmingham, with the goal of improving the building's energy efficiency and reducing its carbon footprint.
One of the most notable achievements of the project was the significant improvement in the building's Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. With the new calculation methodology, the baseline would achieve an EPC rating of B(39), but the newly refurbished 5th floor achieved an even better EPC rating of B(37).
The project was the creation of the new RICS Members Lounge on Level 05. The team managed to reuse almost all the furniture, fixtures, and equipment from the previous Members Lounge on Level 00, minimising the need for new materials. The new lounge features glazed units, AV solutions, and other functional additions that enhance the overall experience for RICS members.
The project also had a strong focus on sustainability, with a goal to reduce waste and minimise the carbon footprint of the construction process. All waste removed from site was recycled. By avoiding sending 53.93 tonnes of waste to landfill, a theoretical carbon saving of 196.95kg CO₂e was achieved.
Modus Workspace's commitment to sustainability extends beyond the project itself. The team also worked with Encore Environment, using Project Divert. Which led to donations to Blackwell Adventure and Urban Farm, two local organisations that support the community. The donations included kitchen storage, shelving, chillers, lockers, cupboards, and carpet tiles, among other items.
Finally, the project achieved an embodied carbon value of 73.6 kg CO₂e/m², which is significantly lower than existing best practice examples. This is in part because of the amount of materials reused and relocated from the ground floor to the 5th. Which resulted in a reduction of 8.126.35kg CO₂e across the A1-A4 life cycle stages when compared to the baseline. This achievement is a testament to the team's commitment to sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint of construction projects.
Overall, the completion of the RICS Birmingham project is a significant achievement for Modus Workspace. The project showcases the team's ability to deliver innovative and functional spaces that prioritise sustainability and energy efficiency. The team's commitment to reusing and recycling materials, reducing waste, and supporting the local community sets an excellent example for the construction industry to follow.
Click here to view the Case Study.
Want to find out more? Click here to read the article from RICS: How RICS' office refurbishment beat own targets.