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

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

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.

Scope 1: Direct emissions

Scope 1 is defined as direct emissions from the combustion of fuel in assets a company operates.

How we are improving – The Old Dairy – our office building in Redbourn- is equipped with an underfloor system for space heating needs. Due to its semi-rural location, the property is not
connected to a natural gas network and relies on an LPG tank to fuel a boiler.

Since 2019, our baseline reporting year, we have managed to reduce our CO2 emissions from heating by 36% by investing in maintenance to the underfloor heating and boiler. We have also
adjusted our thermostat and sealed drafts to further reduce unnecessary heat loss.

Next steps – installation of an air source heat pump to decarbonise our heating supply, replacing LPG gas combustion on site for electricity.

Scope 2: Indirect emissions

Scope 2 refers to indirect emissions from the generation of energy purchased from a utility provider.

How we are improving – since we began monitoring our electricity consumption, we have become more rigorous about light switches being turned off after meetings and in office areas not being occupied. Sensors have been installed in the kitchen and toilets. A post-pandemic hybrid work mode requires PCs being left on for longer periods of time, which reflects in the 6% electricity use increase in 2022, also attributed to additional IT equipment due to growing staff numbers. Mitigation measures are in place, such as energy saving monitors and switch-off schedules when possible. We also continue to benchmark Electricity Use Intensity (EUI) in kWh/m2 against CIBSE’s Database for similar office typologies in both typical and good practice consumption scenarios.

Next steps – proposal for a roof mounted solar panel system to go through planning to seek consent for on-site renewable energy production, reduce reliance on the national grid and associated CO2 emissions.

Scope 3: Other indirect emissions

Scope 3 includes indirect emissions from transport, purchase of goods, business travel and other relevant upstream and downstream emissions.

How we are improving – commuting to the office plays a big role in our operational carbon emissions, as our semi-rural location is not accessible by public transport.

One of the lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic was that our business was able to adjust to remote working conditions and continued to thrive. A lesson that we took on board as we continue to operate in hybrid mode, reducing the number of car trips to the office and in some cases allowing staff to work remotely from international posts on a permanent basis.

Commuting flexibility has translated into a 51% reduction of carbon emissions from miles travelled when compared to 2019, our baseline year.

We also encourage video calls for meetings and prioritise travel by rail rather than flying.

Next steps – the installation of electrical vehicles charging stations to promote a cleaner mode of transport to the office.

To extend the monitoring of Scope 3 emissions to business travel, hotel stays, waste and other relevant categories.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.