Summary
1. Recognition of Sustainable Building Practices: The BREEAM Awards 2024 celebrated the forefront of sustainable building design, recognising projects that are pushing the boundaries of environmental stewardship.
2. HAUT Amsterdam’s Milestone Achievement: HAUT Amsterdam, one of the tallest timber-hybrid buildings in the world, won the Best New Construction for a Residential Project, highlighting innovative use of materials in sustainable architecture.
3. GRESB Partnership and Award: KRK won the GRESB Portfolio Integration & Commitment Award for their BREEAM certification of 39 properties in the U.S., showcasing the synergy between BREEAM and GRESB in promoting sustainable investments.
4. SEGRO’s Industrial Refurbishment: SEGRO’s 33,000 sq ft facility at 2 Auriol Drive became the first industrial refurbishment to achieve BREEAM Outstanding and is expected to receive an EPC A+ rating, demonstrating significant advancements in industrial sustainability.
5. Iconic London Projects: Two notable London projects, a major industrial unit and the Grade II listed Northcliffe building, received the BREEAM Lifecycle Award and Best Refurbishment & Fit Out Project respectively, underlining the importance of sustainable practices in preserving historical architecture.
Main Post
The annual BREEAM Awards ceremony, a beacon of excellence in sustainable building design and management, was held on Wednesday, 10th July. As a journalist, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sarah Mitchell, a sustainability consultant who attended the event and shared her insights on the evening’s highlights.
“The atmosphere was electric,” Sarah began, her enthusiasm palpable. “This year’s ceremony was a testament to the incredible strides being made in sustainable architecture and development. It was inspiring to see so many innovative projects being recognised.”
One of the standout winners was HAUT Amsterdam, which took home the award for Best New Construction for a Residential Project. “HAUT Amsterdam is a game-changer,” Sarah explained. “It’s one of the tallest timber-hybrid buildings in the world, and its design is a perfect blend of aesthetics and sustainability. The use of timber not only reduces the building’s carbon footprint but also creates a warm and welcoming environment for residents.”
Another significant award was the GRESB Portfolio Integration & Commitment Award, which went to KRK. “KRK’s achievement is remarkable,” Sarah noted. “Their BREEAM certification of 39 industrial and residential properties across the United States sets a new standard for sustainable development. The partnership between GRESB and BREEAM has been instrumental in promoting responsible investment in the built environment. This collaboration, now in its eighth year, continues to drive forward ESG strategies within the industry.”
The ceremony also highlighted the impressive work done by SEGRO, a UK real investment trust. Their 33,000 sq ft facility at 2 Auriol Drive achieved BREEAM Outstanding, a first for an industrial refurbishment of its kind. “SEGRO’s project is a clear example of how sustainable practices can be integrated into industrial spaces,” Sarah said. “Achieving an EPC A+ rating is no small feat, and it sets a benchmark for future industrial refurbishments.”
London was well-represented at the awards, with two iconic projects taking home significant accolades. A major industrial unit received the BREEAM Lifecycle Award, while the Grade II listed Northcliffe building, reimagined by John Robertson Architects, won the Best Refurbishment & Fit Out Project. “The Northcliffe building is a perfect example of how historical architecture can be preserved while meeting modern sustainability standards,” Sarah remarked. “It’s a delicate balance, but the project team managed to maintain the building’s industrial heritage as a 1920s print works while achieving BREEAM Outstanding.”
The evening also featured a keynote speech by Gillian Charlesworth, CEO of BRE, who emphasised the importance of embracing science-based sustainability methodologies like BREEAM. “Gillian’s speech was a highlight for many of us,” Sarah recalled. “She spoke about the significant impacts that sustainability practices can have on businesses, investors, and society as a whole. It’s inspiring to see the innovative ways in which sustainability is being fostered and prioritised across all the award winners and wider BREEAM scheme members.”
As the ceremony drew to a close, there was a palpable sense of excitement and optimism among the attendees. “The BREEAM Awards are more than just a recognition of past achievements,” Sarah concluded. “They are a celebration of the future of sustainable building design and management. With the network of over 14,000 assessors ensuring rigorous sustainability practices across the globe, the future looks incredibly promising for the built environment.”
In reflecting on the evening, it’s clear that the BREEAM Awards 2024 not only celebrated the incredible advancements in sustainable building practices but also set a high bar for future projects. The event showcased the innovative solutions and dedicated efforts of individuals and organisations committed to creating a more sustainable world.
John
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