Located in London's financial district, media company Bloomberg's European headquarters has been named the world's most sustainable office, according to a press release by project architect Foster + Partners. This new designation is based on the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM), a sustainability rating practice that "evaluates the procurement, design, construction, and operation of a development against targets that are based on performance benchmarks," according to the BREEAM website. The Bloomberg headquarters building received the assessment's highest rating—outstanding—after scoring an impressive score of 98.5 percent.
The 1,099,964-square-foot building reports 35 percent savings in energy and associated carbon emissions consumption, which was achieved through natural ventilation; integrated carbon dioxide sensors that can automatically adjust airflow within the building based on occupancy; and an on-site combined heat and power generation center. "The deep plan interior spaces are naturally ventilated through a ‘breathing’ façade while a top lit atrium edged with a spiraling ramp at the heart of the building ensures a connected, healthy and creative environment," said Norman Foster, founder and executive chairman at Foster + Partners, in the same release.
Integrated ceiling panels perform triple duty as acoustic panels, lighting fixtures (the system houses 500,000 LEDs), and heating and cooling elements. Additionally, the ten-story building saves 73 percent in water consumption by recycling gathered greywater from sinks and toilets, as well as rainwater from the roof.
"We believe that environmentally-friendly practices are as good for business as they are for the planet," said Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg, in the release. "From day one, we set out to push the boundaries of sustainable office design—and to create a place that excites and inspires our employees. The two missions went hand-in-hand, and I hope we've set a new standard for what an office environment can be."
The building is set to open later this month.
