The recently opened Francis Crick Institute in London has achieved BREEAM Excellent certification. Dedicated to tackling scientific questions underpinning health and disease, the centre is one of the biggest single biomedical laboratories in Europe, with space for 1500 staff, including 1250 scientists. Global infrastructure services firm AECOM delivered BREEAM services for the project, as well as delivery of the Environment Impact Assessment.
Features of the laboratory include an energy strategy developed in line with the Mayor of London’s Energy hierarchy that included a Combined Heat and Power Plant (CHP), and a complete photovoltaic array, with over 800 custom-built solar panels, fixed to south-facing sections of the roof, capable of generating around 200,000 kWh per year from a renewable energy source. It also features low-flow water fittings and individual presence detectors to minimise potable water use. The laboratory and write-up spaces were designed to maximise occupant comfort and staff collaboration, with access to daylight and occupant controls, allowing control of the local environment.
AECOM started its involvement with the project during the planning application stage and worked with the client and design team to develop a bespoke BREEAM Assessment tailored to the building’s unique nature. The aim was to promote opportunities for incorporating sustainable design features.
AECOM also delivered a range of assessments including air quality, noise, ecological, ground conditions, water resources, waste and recycling, socio-economics and transport.
John Hicks, Director and Head of Government & Public at AECOM said: “The Francis Crick Institute is a great example of how state-of-the-art laboratories and science facilities can achieve world-leading standards for sustainability and energy efficiency. The Institute and the project team were committed to working towards BREEAM Excellent from the outset. The client imagined leading green credentials, AECOM delivered it”
The Francis Crick Institute, one of the world’s most advanced biomedical research institutes in the world, welcomed its first scientists in late 2016. It was formed as a consortium of some of the biggest UK scientific and academic organisations, including the Medical Research Council and the Wellcome Trust. In addition to being the largest biggest biomedical laboratory under a single roof in Europe, it was one of the most technically complex buildings ever constructed in the UK.
