Latest news with #netzerocarbon
Times
19-07-2025
- Business
- Times
London's most sustainable office is block of wood as builders branch out
On the site of an old Costa Coffee roastery in Vauxhall, one of London's most unique office spaces has opened its doors. Paradise SE11 — aptly named, given its location on Old Paradise Street and its deep connection with nature — is the latest in a growing number of timber workspaces across the city proving that net zero carbon buildings can be as beautiful as they are sustainable. This one is arguably the most unusual. Sandwiched between the train tracks at Waterloo station on one side — such is the proximity that when trains stop, it is perfectly feasible to catch a glimpse of passengers' book titles — and a public park and tree canopy on the other, the six-storey, emerald structure is the only space in London where a timber environment in such a dense urban location butts up against green space. It is also the lowest-carbon mass-timber office development in the UK, can be deconstructed and recycled when it reaches the end of its life cycle, and packs a hefty architectural punch. As far as showcases for sustainable development go, it is pretty compelling. That's not to say timber development is without risk. Fear of getting caught up in lengthy, not to mention costly, insurance hurdles due to the potential for fire and water damage remains a deterrent for many developers. However, for a bold few, the benefits of looking beyond more commonly used materials, such as steel and concrete, have prompted a wave of ambitious timber developments across London. Developments, say the teams behind them, that have the power to save the planet and make us happier and healthier. 'Being surrounded by timber, rather than steel or concrete, just feels different,' says Theo Michell, chief operating officer of Bywater Properties, the developer behind the Paradise building. 'It even smells and sounds different.' He's right, it does. The exposed wooden ceilings and vast 800kg timber columns zigzagging around its internal perimeter are, first and foremost, structurally essential. They are also architecturally arresting. And they bring a softness and a sense of calm to the space, both in terms of the aesthetic, brought to life by the architects Feilden Clegg Bradley, and the acoustics. 'Here we are in an unashamedly urban location,' says Michell as another packed train flies past the floor-to-ceiling third-floor windows. 'And yet, all around us, is a natural material that not only reduces carbon, but makes people feel better.' • BlackRock boss wants London growth but can't find office space Indeed, a growing body of evidence suggests that spending time in spaces made from natural materials can lower our blood pressure and heart rate, elevate our mood and reduce cognitive fatigue by 40 per cent. 'Research clearly shows that wooden buildings provide better air quality, reduce stress and increase productivity,' says Annica Anas, chief executive of Atrium Ljungberg, the Swedish developer building Wood City in Stockholm which, at 2.5 million sq ft, will become the largest mass-timber project in the world when it is completed in 2027. While no one is taking a punt on an entirely wooden district in London just yet, projects such as Timber Square, the developer LandSec's 370,000 sq ft net zero mixed-use scheme, designed by Bennetts Associates, are paving the way for increasingly large-scale examples of a timber-led urban realm. It will be completed later this year on Lavington Street in Southwark. • Frescoes reveal Southwark was the 'Beverly Hills of Londinium' 'Timber construction has the potential to transform London into a greener, healthier city, reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality and creating spaces that connect people with nature, all while supporting sustainable urban growth,' says Marcus Geddes, LandSec's managing director for the building. 'We know that businesses are also increasingly focused on occupying low-carbon, high-quality office space.' When it comes to the environmental impact, carbon stats are definitive. The Black and White Building, London's tallest mass-timber office in Shoreditch, designed by Waugh Thistleton Architects, which has an entirely wooden structure on concrete foundations, generates 37 per cent less embodied carbon than a concrete building. It equates to a saving in excess of 1,000 tonnes of CO₂. Even hybrid projects, such as Paradise and Timber Square, where wood is used alongside other materials, are infinitely more sustainable than their fully concrete and steel counterparts. Paradise has removed 1,800 tonnes of CO₂ from the atmosphere, the equivalent to the carbon emissions of building 24 homes — a calculation that includes the emissions derived from sourcing and transporting the timber from Austria, which supplies most of Europe. It helps that wooden buildings are quick to build. 'Paradise's timber structure went up in about 20 weeks, all told,' says Michell. 'That was with just seven people on site for the most part; a crane operator and six others bolting the pieces of timber together like a giant Meccano set.' Of course, it's not all plain sailing. 'There is a perception that timber buildings might be uninsurable,' he says. 'In our experience, the process has been complicated and technical, but not insurmountable.' Nor does the plethora of insurance-related hurdles mean timber developments are unsafe. In an office context, insurance issues are not so much based on a concern about the safety of inhabitants, but against the loss of the building. A loss that, contrary to widespread belief, is more likely to occur because of water damage than fire. It is one of many misconceptions and challenges that Michell believes will subside as more timber projects get built. 'Plenty of sceptics thought we were crazy,' he says. 'Now, larger developers are intrigued by what we have done and the best thing would be for them to swing in behind us because, once we build up a pattern of these projects, that sets a precedent and life gets much easier. We never expected to be pioneers.' Standing on the third floor of a former Costa Coffee roastery in one of London's most unique new office buildings, the scent of freshly cut wood in the air, pioneers rather says it all.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Heat network scheme for city awarded £21m
A major project to supply Oxford with low carbon heating has been awarded £21m from the government's Green Network Fund. 1Energy plans to install about 20km (12 miles) of pipes, and said it hoped the Oxford Energy Network would be operational by 2030. Cabinet member for zero carbon at Oxford City Council, Anna Railton, said she was "delighted" by the news, adding: "With buildings responsible for 60% of Oxford's carbon emissions, a heat network like this has been identified as one of the key pathways to achieve a net zero carbon city by 2040." 1Energy said more detail about the project would be revealed in the next six to nine months when a planning application was submitted. Project manager for 1Energy, Dan Goodchild, said: "The vast majority of the heat, 70 or 80% of it, will come from low carbon air source, water source or data centre source heat pumps." Though he admitted gas might be needed for "resilience purposes, for either when it's particularly cold or when the heat pumps need maintenance". Nick Eyre, chair of the Zero Carbon Oxfordshire Partnership and emeritus professor of energy and climate policy at the University of Oxford described it as "a good use of government money". "Heat Networks are going to be required to decarbonise some of the denser populated parts of the country... and that's particularly true in Oxford [which has] a lot of old heritage buildings which are quite difficult to decarbonise," he said. A similar but much smaller scheme has been running between the John Radcliffe and Churchill hospitals since 2017, after a 1.6-mile (2.2km) pipe was laid under several roads in Headington. Trevor Payne, director of estates at the University of Oxford said: "The potential benefits of a wider heat network are huge, both for the University - the project could help us achieve our ambitious target of reaching net zero by 2035 - and for the community as a whole." Jerry Woods, director of estates and campus services at Oxford Brookes University said: "This supports our aims as a member of the Zero Carbon Oxford Partnership in Oxford becoming a Net Zero City by 2040 and also supports the university in reaching its Net Zero carbon goals potentially faster and at lower cost than possible to do alone." You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Switch on for £14.7m hospital pipeline The Tube and Thames could heat London landmarks Heat network scheme awarded £15.5m Oxford Energy Network Zero Carbon Oxfordshire
BBC News
20-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Oxford heat network gets £21m government funding
A major project to supply Oxford with low carbon heating has been awarded £21m from the government's Green Network Fund.1Energy plans to install about 20km (12 miles) of pipes, and said it hoped the Oxford Energy Network would be operational by member for zero carbon at Oxford City Council, Anna Railton, said she was "delighted" by the news, adding: "With buildings responsible for 60% of Oxford's carbon emissions, a heat network like this has been identified as one of the key pathways to achieve a net zero carbon city by 2040."1Energy said more detail about the project would be revealed in the next six to nine months when a planning application was submitted. Project manager for 1Energy, Dan Goodchild, said: "The vast majority of the heat, 70 or 80% of it, will come from low carbon air source, water source or data centre source heat pumps."Though he admitted gas might be needed for "resilience purposes, for either when it's particularly cold or when the heat pumps need maintenance".Nick Eyre, chair of the Zero Carbon Oxfordshire Partnership and emeritus professor of energy and climate policy at the University of Oxford described it as "a good use of government money"."Heat Networks are going to be required to decarbonise some of the denser populated parts of the country... and that's particularly true in Oxford [which has] a lot of old heritage buildings which are quite difficult to decarbonise," he said. A similar but much smaller scheme has been running between the John Radcliffe and Churchill hospitals since 2017, after a 1.6-mile (2.2km) pipe was laid under several roads in Payne, director of estates at the University of Oxford said: "The potential benefits of a wider heat network are huge, both for the University - the project could help us achieve our ambitious target of reaching net zero by 2035 - and for the community as a whole."Jerry Woods, director of estates and campus services at Oxford Brookes University said: "This supports our aims as a member of the Zero Carbon Oxford Partnership in Oxford becoming a Net Zero City by 2040 and also supports the university in reaching its Net Zero carbon goals potentially faster and at lower cost than possible to do alone." You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Otto Aviation and its Phantom 3500 to Beat Carbon Neutrality Goals by 20 Years
At a Paris Air Show press briefing, CEO Paul Touw detailed Otto's breakthrough technology and aircraft that enables ultra-efficient, low-emission flight PARIS, June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Otto Aviation, a pioneering force in sustainable aviation, held a press briefing today at the Paris Air Show where CEO Paul Touw announced the company would achieve net-zero carbon emissions with its Phantom 3500 aircraft when it enters service around 2030 – two decades ahead of the aviation industry's net-zero carbon goal. The aviation industry has set a goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. This goal, adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and supported by organizations like the International Air Transport Association (IATA), aims to mitigate the industry's impact on climate change by balancing CO2 emissions with equivalent amounts sequestered or remarks took the assembled journalists and industry leaders behind the scenes of Otto's groundbreaking aircraft, the Phantom 3500, the first true aircraft of the sustainability era. With an AI-supported clean sheet design, transonic super-laminar flow architecture, and cutting-edge aerodynamics, the Phantom 3500 is a lightweight, ultra-low-drag aircraft that burns 60 percent less fuel than similar-sized jets and reduces emissions by 90 percent when combined with sustainable aviation fuel. 'The Phantom 3500 is the result of relentless innovation and bold thinking,' said CEO Touw during his remarks. 'By achieving carbon neutrality 20 years ahead of the 2050 target, we're not just meeting expectations—Otto is redefining what's possible in aviation. It's a transformative step toward a future where cutting-edge technology and sustainability go hand in hand.' On the inside, the Phantom 3500 provides space for nine passengers and has a cabin height of 6 and a half feet. In place of traditional porthole-style windows along the fuselage, the Phantom 3500 includes high-definition digital displays called Super Natural Vision™, which provides passengers with views of the sky and scenery while also enjoying increased efficiency thanks to the streamlined design. Otto Aviation plans to manufacture the Phantom 3500 at Cecil Airport in Jacksonville, Florida, an announcement made yesterday at the Paris Air Show by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The company will invest approximately $430 million and move its headquarters to the city. Otto's plan is to establish initial operations in an available hangar, then build a new plant to manufacture the Phantom 3500 on land at the airfield. The company plans to begin flight tests by early 2027, and aims to achieve certification and enter service in 2030. Phantom 3500 Specifications Mean Take Off Weight: 19,000 poundsBasic Empty Weight: 11,700 poundsDimensions: 64' W x 58.3' L x 17.7' HCabin Volume: 800 cubic feetCabin Height: 6'5'Cabin Length: 23 feetCabin Width: 7'6'Max Passengers: 9Max Speed: 600+ mphMax Range: 3,500 NMNBAA 4 PAX Range: 3,200 NMCruise Altitude: 51,000 feetBalance Field Landing: < 3,500 feetOperating Cost: 50% less than an average Super-Mid jet Touw is a visionary entrepreneur, engineer, and private pilot with years of aerospace experience. He previously founded and led XOJET, a disruptive private aviation company, and co-founded Ariba, a supply chain technology firm now part of the SAP portfolio. At Otto, he's on a mission to redefine aviation through bold thinking and breakthrough design. About OttoOtto Aviation is an advanced aerospace company committed to transforming private and regional aviation through innovative aircraft design. Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, Otto is developing the Phantom 3500, a new, clean-sheet design aircraft that establishes – and leads – a new category in highly efficient, affordable, and sustainable business jet aviation. Learn more at For media inquiries, please contact:Scott Or Onsite at the Paris Airshow:Josh A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
BBC News
15-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Completion of £16m Trowbridge medical centre 'firmly in sight'
The completion of a £16m integrated care centre is "firmly in sight" following the installation of a new roof. The Trowbridge Integrated Care Centre in Wiltshire has been described as a "state-of-the-art health and care facility" and is due to open to patients early next site will become the location for the minor injury unit and X-ray department that are currently based within the nearby Trowbridge Community executive lead for cancer, planned care and community, Caroline Holmes, said: "The building work is well under way, the finish line is firmly in sight, and local people can now see their new integrated care centre really begin to take shape. Using the latest green technology, such as solar panels and heat pumps, the centre is designed to be fully self-sufficient and net zero carbon. Representatives from Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) marked the "milestone" occasion on the recently installed were joined by the Mayor of Trowbridge, along with a number of NHS colleagues who will soon call the new centre Holmes thanked those who had helped bring the new centre to added: "When the very first spades went in the ground, it was difficult to picture how a brand new health and care facility could emerge from what was essentially a very muddy field. Yet, here we are."The new centre is set to be a "flagship location" for local health and care, with teams from many different organisations, including HCRG Care Group, Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership and the Royal United Hospital, working together under one roof.
