Environment Agency signs deal for a green HQ

The ‘greenest’ development in Bristol will be the new home to the Environment Agency’s national headquarters, it was announced today (Monday).

Following Government approval and exchange of contracts, Westmark’s Cabot House in central Bristol, will be the new national headquarters for the Environment Agency from late 2010. The move will save an estimated £180,000 per year by relocating to a smaller, more efficient building.

Westmark will construct the new office building to meet the Building Research Establishment's Environmental Appraisal Method (BREEAM) ‘excellent’ criteria, making it one of the greenest office buildings in the UK. Up to 1,000 Environment Agency staff will occupy 70,000 sq ft of the building, which will include:

• a natural ventilation system,
• a comprehensive rainwater harvesting system,
• on site renewable sources like solar power to help meet the building’s energy needs,
• a green management plan to minimise the use of energy, water and reduce the waste going off site.

With the inclusion of such features, the Environment Agency is aiming for the building to be carbon neutral by 2012. In addition, more than 50 per cent of recycled material will be used in the construction and fit out of the building.

Graham Ledward, Director of Resources at the Environment Agency, said: “Today’s news will see the relocation of the Environment Agency headquarters to a more sustainable building in Bristol city centre with one of the best environmental ratings possible.

“There were a number of very competitive proposals from different developers, but we believe the option chosen represents best value for money and will provide a better working environment for our staff. It is encouraging to see that sustainable buildings are becoming a stronger feature in the market and we hope that Westmark’s building will set an example for future commercial developments to follow.”

Euan Cresswell, Managing Director at Westmark, explained: “Westmark is committed to delivering an exemplary green building within normal commercial building costs.

“We intend to demonstrate that by working with the future occupier, the delivery of sustainable solutions is within the reach of any commercial development. We are delighted that the Environment Agency has chosen Westmark as their property supplier for their headquarters.”

Councillor Helen Holland, Leader of Bristol City Council, said: “It's great news for our city that Europe's largest organisation dedicated to protecting and improving the environment has chosen to relocate to Bristol.

“This decision by the Environment Agency reflects Bristol's continued success in attracting major public sector organisations and private sector companies, and underlines why Bristol has the most successful English economy outside London. Bristol is keen to gain the title of European green capital and this announcement gives our city the opportunity to further develop partnerships which can lead the way in sustainable development."

The move to Cabot House, situated on a brownfield site with low ecological value, is part of the Environment Agency’s programme to consolidate its operations from three sites in the area (Aztec West, Westbury on Trym and Twerton near Bath) to one site.