# Workspace Group Plc opens its first fully net zero building, Leroy House

- Link: https://www.directorstalkinterviews.com/workspace-group-plc-opens-its-first-fully-net-zero-building-leroy-house/4121177185
- Published: 2024-11-13T09:13:49+00:00
- Author: Amilia Stone

**Workspace Group PLC** (LON:WKP), London’s leading owner and operator of flexible
and sustainable work space, has announced the opening of Leroy House, its first 
fully net zero building^([1]). Originally built for a watchmaker in the 1930’s, 
it has now been brought back to life through adaptive re-use. Based in Islington,
the newly refurbished building retains 90% of its original structure and comprises
57,000 sq. ft. of striking new sustainable work space.

·      _57,000 sq. ft. of new high quality, sustainable work space created through
adaptive reuse of an historic watchmaker’s factory_

·      _The project’s embodied carbon is 40% less than_ _industry best practice_

·      _Strong commitment to the local community with local suppliers used and large
public amenity space_

·      _Workspace has now retrofitted c.1.2m sq. ft. of space over the last decade_

·      _Designed with customers in mind – 11 leases signed in first six weeks of
marketing_

> **Sonal Jain, Workspace Group’s Head of [Sustainability](https://www.directorstalkinterviews.com/sustainability-green-stocks-news),
> said**:_ _
> _“We take great pride in our refurbishment-led ethos at Workspace. Leroy House
> is evidence that retrofitting, not rebuilding, delivers the best outcomes for 
> our customers, the community and the environment. By breathing new life into existing
> structures, as we have done for over 35 years, we preserve London’s architectural
> heritage, blending character with modern space that our customers want._
> _90% of our customers view sustainability as essential to their business and over
> 70% have set their own emissions reduction targets. This demonstrates that our
> approach is not only responsible but also makes good business sense.”_

**Industry-leading environmental credentials**

In addition to retaining the majority of the existing structure, the project used
concrete with over two-thirds recycled content. Through careful material and design
choices, its overall embodied carbon is 40% less than industry best practice of 
500kg CO₂e/m2. At the same time, consideration was given to the original features
of the building, including the historic façade and brickwork, which were sensitively
restored to preserve its character.

Workspace has ensured that Leroy House will be a net zero building in operation 
as well, to further benefit its customers. The all-electric building is powered 
entirely by renewable energy thanks to the CPPA^(2) Workspace signed last year and
the smart building energy management system allows customers to actively manage 
their energy consumption. Additionally, a well-planned waste management system promotes
recycling and makes it easy for customers to eliminate single-use items. Occupants
can also enjoy views of a 75 sq. metre green roof that supports biodiversity, along
with a blue roof that captures rainwater to reduce flood risk.

**Customer-led design**

Leroy House is flooded with natural light, with large openable windows that harness
natural ventilation, reduce energy consumption and enhance temperature control for
customer comfort. Open spaces are thoughtfully designed as collaboration hubs, furnished
with sustainable, upcycled pieces to reflect Workspace’s commitment to environmental
responsibility.

Leroy House is the latest in a long line of refurbishment projects for Workspace.
It has retrofitted over 1.2 m sq. ft. of space over the past decade, creating work
spaces that meet the needs of London’s brightest businesses and making significant
progress on its net zero journey. The space has already captured the imagination
of London’s SMEs, with 11 leases signed in only six weeks of marketing.

**Maximising social impact**

With space for over 100 small businesses, Leroy House has been designed to be a 
vibrant community hub. It features a large public amenity space, including a café,
which is open to both customers and members of the local community.

Workspace Group ensured that over 25% of the project spend was directed to local
suppliers. A collaboration with The eXceL Project charity delivered a community 
upskilling programme which included youth work provisions, mentoring and job readiness
training.

^([1]) Designed to be net zero carbon in construction and operation, in line with
the UK Green Building Council’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Framework

^(2) Corporate Power Purchase Agreement signed with Statkraft in December 2023

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