Changing rooms

Images courtesy of  SAS International www.sasint.co.uk

New retail outlet and office development, One New Change is leading the way when it comes to sustainable design. Emma Zücker takes a look at the largest commercial geothermal energy application in Europe to date

In October last year a contemporary and controversial development was opened in the heart of London’s square mile, neighbouring St Paul’s Cathedral and comprising three floors of shops and restaurants beneath five floors of offices. The original aim of One New Change – designed by French architect Jean Nouvel – was to create a construction which appears to be a single block of material.

But this sleek and modern piece of glass-covered architecture is not just a pretty face – it’s thought to be pioneering many sustainable methods. In fact, Land Securities’ shopping destination, has some of the world’s most advanced renewable energy technology to heat and cool the building.

Underneath the City’s prime shopping and leisure centre, 60km of pipework – enough to wrap around the London Eye 140 times – both warms and cools the building in the most environmentally friendly way by transferring heat efficiently to and from the ground itself and two water wells 150m below the surface.

The sustainable energy system is estimated to reduce carbon emissions by at least 10 per cent and could save £300,000 per year on energy bills. The groundbreaking technology will help achieve Land Securities’ target to reduce its carbon emissions by 30 per cent by 2020 for its properties and deliver on the Government’s objective to create a low carbon economy.

Land Securities’ Chief Executive Francis Salway said: ‘We are proud to be pioneering this highly advanced renewable energy system at One New Change and hope to transform the way the industry designs and builds properties.

‘The renewable energy system will deliver carbon reductions, cost savings and a comfortable work environment, making it a truly sustainable building of the future.’

A ground source heating system can have a life expectancy of up to 30 years; ground loops are often warranted for up to 50 years. While the system may be more expensive to install, they can pay back the difference in energy savings in just a few years. The systems can be easily and inexpensively subdivided or expanded to fit building remodelling or additions.

Contact

One New Change: www.onenewchange.com
Land Securities: www.landsecurities.com

To read the full feature turn to page 61 in the August issue or by clicking here.