Space Architects' story
Rob Charlton, CEO of Space Group, said: “Energy conservation and carbon reduction is a big part of what we do now, and through implementing operational changes such as changing our lighting, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint.
Following an initial enquiry, free energy audits are carried out by Blyth based Narec Distributed Energy, a spin-off from the National Renewable Energy Centre
Companies are then given the opportunity to apply for a grant towards a third of the cost of implementing any recommendations in the report.
Space Architects, which is aiming to be carbon neutral by 2023, received £7241.42 towards an on-going LED lighting project that overall has the potential for 31 tonnes of carbon savings.
It is estimated that the grant funded lighting upgrades will account for 20.1 tonnes of that.
In this instance Space hope the improvements will not only help achieve its carbon reduction target and reduce its energy bills but demonstrate to customers their commitment to sustainability. Space Group have set themselves an ambitious target to achieve Net Zero carbon by 2023. With the help of BEST and other changes within the business, Space is currently 85% towards achieving this.
Our philosophy is simple; to improve people's lives through their surroundings, creating spaces that have a positive impact on people, places and the planet.
We have identified three areas which we prioritise on all projects.
Creative re-use
Towns and cities have a wealth of existing buildings that are no longer fit for purpose or have fallen into a state of disrepair.
With increasing compliance requirements, typically, these buildings are demolished and replaced.
However, existing buildings are full of history and often at the heart of their community and can be brought back to life and be a catalyst for regeneration.
Not only can existing features be enhanced with new interventions, but we can reduce the building's embodied carbon by retaining elements of the existing structure.
Design Optimisation
Buildings are expensive to design, construct and operate with inefficient and wasteful processes.
Our team constantly strives to design and construct better buildings, quicker and cheaper, generating less waste and reducing carbon emissions. As well as architects and designers, our team of technologists, coders and data scientists enable our innovative approach.
Circular Decarbonisation
Climate change is a global challenge with increasing temperatures and catastrophic flooding.
With buildings contributing 40% to carbon emissions, decarbonising the industry is critical to maintaining global warming below 1.5°c.
Operational and embodied carbon is considered at the outset of all projects, providing the best opportunity to incorporate passive design measures in the completed design.
Following an initial enquiry, free energy audits are carried out by Blyth based Narec Distributed Energy, a spin-off from the National Renewable Energy Centre
Companies are then given the opportunity to apply for a grant towards a third of the cost of implementing any recommendations in the report.
Space Architects, which is aiming to be carbon neutral by 2023, received £7241.42 towards an on-going LED lighting project that overall has the potential for 31 tonnes of carbon savings.
It is estimated that the grant funded lighting upgrades will account for 20.1 tonnes of that.
In this instance Space hope the improvements will not only help achieve its carbon reduction target and reduce its energy bills but demonstrate to customers their commitment to sustainability. Space Group have set themselves an ambitious target to achieve Net Zero carbon by 2023. With the help of BEST and other changes within the business, Space is currently 85% towards achieving this.
Our philosophy is simple; to improve people's lives through their surroundings, creating spaces that have a positive impact on people, places and the planet.
We have identified three areas which we prioritise on all projects.
Creative re-use
Towns and cities have a wealth of existing buildings that are no longer fit for purpose or have fallen into a state of disrepair.
With increasing compliance requirements, typically, these buildings are demolished and replaced.
However, existing buildings are full of history and often at the heart of their community and can be brought back to life and be a catalyst for regeneration.
Not only can existing features be enhanced with new interventions, but we can reduce the building's embodied carbon by retaining elements of the existing structure.
Design Optimisation
Buildings are expensive to design, construct and operate with inefficient and wasteful processes.
Our team constantly strives to design and construct better buildings, quicker and cheaper, generating less waste and reducing carbon emissions. As well as architects and designers, our team of technologists, coders and data scientists enable our innovative approach.
Circular Decarbonisation
Climate change is a global challenge with increasing temperatures and catastrophic flooding.
With buildings contributing 40% to carbon emissions, decarbonising the industry is critical to maintaining global warming below 1.5°c.
Operational and embodied carbon is considered at the outset of all projects, providing the best opportunity to incorporate passive design measures in the completed design.
Useful learnings from Space Architects
Councillor Ged Bell, cabinet member for employment and culture at Newcastle City Council, said: “It is extremely positive to see local businesses benefiting from the services this great project offers.
“Rising energy bills are one of the biggest spends for businesses and this project helps those businesses to cut energy costs and save money while making a valuable contribution to reducing harmful carbon emissions.
“I encourage all eligible businesses to take advantage of the advice and funding being offered by the five local authorities and use this opportunity to make positive changes.”
Our advice would be to make a start. It’s a cliche but the first step is the most difficult. As you start to compile data it becomes easier.”
Space Architects' metrics
Carbon savings achieved during the project so far (31 tonnes).
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