Sustainable solutions

Technology in business appears to have remained recession proof – allowing companies to run smoothly is more important than ever, but it seems the commercial property market is yet to catch up – a good indicator as to why it’s remaining increasingly stagnant. Developers and landlords are being left behind, failing to provide flexible office space that works in harmony with a business.

Gone are the days where developers can knock up an office block with harsh strip lights, neon patterned carpets and bland décor and expect a 10+ year lease of the offices. The business world is evolving more quickly than ever and landlords have to acknowledge the need to adapt and be flexible to suit the way businesses are continually changing. It appears the commercial property industry needs to play catch up to re-build and grow again.

The last 20 years saw a lot of conformity. Offices were built to look a certain way, to reflect a corporate theme that quickly became bland with no reflection on a company’s style or character.

With people spending as much time in the office as at home, an environment needs to be created that as well as being practical, offers comfort, personality and even a community feel.

Having recently transformed a derelict 1930s hostel in South Leeds into a sustainable mixed-use development compromising of 172 apartments and 17,000 sq ft of office space, generating commercial demand was paramount. With the industry still stalling, thinking outside the box and offering businesses something more than just ‘a base’ was a necessity.

After developing commercial property throughout the recession, and witnessing first hand a decline in interest and businesses unwilling to commit to long-term leases, our project, Greenhouse, needed to offer and successfully provide an alternative.

In the first two months of the development launch, seven of the 12 offices were let with daily interest in the remaining five vacant lots. Coupled with that, hearing feed-back from businesses that have made the move, it’s the fact Greenhouse offers so much more than just an office that makes it a desirable place to work.

Sustainability is the blood that runs through Greenhouse, it’s what sets it apart. Tenants and businesses based within, appreciate the building lives and breathes sustainability and it’s that which has ensured the commercial element has been, and continues to be, a success.

More and more offices claim to be ‘green’ and recognition is deserved to those that make the small changes such as recycling waste, using energy efficient light bulbs and installing new air management systems. But it’s taking sustainability to the next level that offers an even greater appeal to businesses.

Greenhouse, a part refurb, part new build development, has capitalised on technology and harnessed natural resources, to produce a true homage to working with the environment. Architects, designers and contractors all worked closely together over the project’s lifespan, challenging traditional building processes and cultures and pioneering new methods to ensure each decision made was with reference to the sustainability commitment made by the team at Citu.

The most obvious benefit discussed by companies at Greenhouse is the technology installed, aimed to aid businesses in effective practices. Next generation broadband at 100mb per second ensures faster working and Greenhouse are the only offices in Leeds to offer it fully integrated.

Shared conferencing facilities that companies can book when they need rather than having to install separately helps businesses interact and creates a community spirit. On top of that, is the innovative way the building recycles energy between the offices and living space to ensure energy is never wasted, results in a reduction of 65 percent in bills.

Two wind turbines are on the roof of Greenhouse, creating 17,000-24,000 kWh/yr which powers lifts and communal lighting areas so companies don’t have to pay additional costs and grey water is collected, then used to flush toilets, rather than wasting fresh water. The district hot water system is heated by 212m sq of thermal solar panels mounted on the roof producing 64,068 kWh/yr.

Businesses can follow their carbon footprint for themselves via a bespoke system monitoring energy usage of their office. They can view live information through their IPTV, demonstrating the actual amount of energy, water, and heat consumption being used, making it a tangible resource. It allows companies to see directly how they can keep costs down.

Over one year, the savings figure is impressive, but if a company is based at Greenhouse for five years or more they’ll save thousands of pounds. This is obviously a massive boost for a company’s CSR check, but more than that, there’s no clearer way for a company that claims to be green to show staff, clients and shareholders they truly practice what they preach by being based at the UK’s most innovative green office building in the country.

Sustainability is increasingly attractive to staff as it offers a community feel and a sense of belonging to something important. Staff are generally proud to be part of a business that has positioned themselves as green.

A bicycle hire club means workers can cycle into the city on their lunch hour and a shared communal gym adds a social element, as well as saving time, petrol money and pollution driving to a gym after work. Many buildings failed during the recession as developers became so obsessed by price and keeping costs down, the offices lacked purpose. It is the attention to detail and commitment to sustainability throughout that has ensured Greenhouse’s success.

With future energy prices rising, demand for green offices will only increase. In the long term, the biggest benefit to landlords is that commercial property prices are likely to become reflected in sustainability. Offices that were ‘knocked up’ or developed from existing stock 15 years ago when demand was high, have no thought to environmental impact and over-heads are so costly that no business will want to be based there. Although initially more expensive, low-carbon offices are desirable and through Greenhouse we’ve witnessed there is a demand, resulting in high-occupancy and fixed leases.

Saying all of that, we’ve found the key to sustainability in business is more than just saving money; it’s about creating a way of life that will benefit landlords, business owners and staff for the long term.

It is about creating a community and way of life that workers want to be part of and actively contribute towards. It’s about being adaptable and listening to what businesses want and need and finding creative yet eco-friendly methods to provide this. If the commercial property market is going to survive and start to thrive once more, sustainability has to be a primary consideration for all developers.