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Embodied carbon represents the accumulative emissions a particular material or product generates throughout its lifetime, from manufacturing stage to installation during construction, maintenance and disposal at its end of life.

Classified as critical infrastructure buildings, data centres are required to meet high levels of security, performance and insurance conditions, thus having to rely on traditional high performing, durable materials such as concrete, steel and aluminium – amongst the highest in embodied carbon content.

As material specifiers, we engage with stakeholders in the supply chain to stay up to date with advances to manufacturing processes of traditional materials and to encourage a growing portfolio of lower carbon alternatives. We analyse embodied carbon data from EPD certificates and prioritise reduced upfront carbon (A1-A5) and circularity whenever possible.

studioNWA has also developed ECMat, its own carbon management tool to produce project case studies and to benchmark embodied carbon of materials as we continue to improve our carbon-conscious spec.

Measure. Monitor progress. Push for change. That’s studioNWA‘s approach to advancing Net Zero.

Life Cycle Assessment Stages: BS EN 15978:2011

Urban greening has become more prevalent as a planning requirement in urban settings, where contributions can be made in the form of green roofs, green walls and amenity areas.

studioNWA engages with Local Planning authorities and specialists to identify the best solution for a given project site to mitigate heat island effect, air pollution, rainwater storm management and
contribute to on-site carbon capture, whilst meeting relevant policy targets.

BREEAM & LEED assessments are the leading and most widely adopted environmental assessment methods for data centre buildings today, often pursued at planning stage and to reinforce client’s ESG goals.

studioNWA’s in-house knowledge of these certification schemes allows us to work closely with our clients, sustainability consultants and wider design team to maximise the potential for architecturally-driven credits and meet project targets.

Water

• Selection of plumbing fixtures that reduce water consumption.
• Rainwater harvesting space allocation.

Materials

• Use of materials with high Green Guide Ratings to ensure lower environmental impact.
• Responsible sourcing of wood with sustainability accreditations

Waste

• Adequate provision of recyclable waste storage facilities to ensure waste generated during building operation is diverted from landfill.

Pollution

• Screened mechanical plant areas for noise attenuation.

Land use and energy

Implementation of green roof and walls for a number of benefits:

• Contribution to greening factor, stormwater attenuation, filtration of air pollutants and carbon sequestration, reduction of heat island effect and thermal losses.

Transport

• Provision of bicycle shelters and changing facilities to encourage building users to cycle to site, thus reducing carbon emissions from transport.
• Charging stations for electrical vehicles.

Health and Wellbeing

• Design to provide building occupants with adequate levels of natural daylighting, views out and glare control.
• Indoor air quality to be protected from external sources of pollution such as exhausts and cigarette smoke.
• Selection of interior finishes with regulated off-gassing emissions.

studioNWA operates as an ISO 14001:2015 Certified practice, for the implementation of day-to-day actions that minimise our environmental impact. Key objectives include:

• Environmental awareness – Continuing education on the climate emergency and our role as built environment professionals.
• Energy efficiency – To reduce operational energy consumption at the Old Dairy and the carbon emissions associated with it.
• Paper consumption – To minimise paper use and prioritise electronic document trails and correspondence.
• Promoting sustainable aspects of the practice – To engage with our audience in relevant topics affecting the industry in a path to Net Zero 2050.

Certificate No: 326702019

Our CGI expertise contributes to the planning approval process by providing realistic representation which in turn reduces potential obstacles or delays.

From urban massing feasibilities, CGI site plans, photomontages, interior and exterior renders and interactive immersion experiences, the visual aspects of collaborative design progression can be assessed by our clients through every stage of the process.

Our in-house CGI team have a wealth of technical design knowledge and a strong architectural background which ensures accurate architectural renders.

Our CGI capabilities, linked to our BIM process, enable improved collaboration within the design team.

Producing our own CGIs helps our clients visualise the project’s appearance, layout, and details with incredible clarity throughout all stages of the process, and not just at the very end.

Our in-house CGIs allow greater customisation and flexibility – from assisted attention to detail to the ability to explore design options. An image is worth 1000 words.

Cost efficiency and Sustainable design. BIM can help us significantly improve the cost-efficiency of a project whilst allowing us to reduce the impact of buildings by enhancing our Fabric First approach. As well as calculating carbon emissions, we use BIM to reduce wastage, incorporate sustainable materials and improve efficiencies.

Better data management. As all parties are working from the same information – known as a “single source of truth”, the potential for mistakes is reduced. This not only enhances our efficiency and collaboration, but it also strengthens our data quality.

Improved quality assurance. We recognise BIM as a tool to aid decision making and reduce risks.

Better strategic planning. BIM gives us a strategic oversight across design, construction, and operations. It shows us where we can make efficiencies.

Stronger collaboration. With integrated workflows, information sharing, and review features BIM deeply strengthens collaboration. 77% of architects agree that BIM improves communication and understanding.

We manage and provide information according to our standards based on ISO 19650.