Sequestrasting Carbon

With the Government’s target for net zero emissions by 2050, construction professionals have to accelerate the specification of low embodied carbon materials in their projects.

It is estimated that 80% of the UK’s building stock in 2050 is already in existence today. Since foundations and super structure account for over half of the embodied carbon in existing buildings, it makes for a strong argument to re-use, extend and refurbish existing buildings in our quest for net zero emissions rather than demolish and build new.

It was great to see this strategy in action with the alterations and extension of Soul Survivor Community Church in Watford.

Adapting an existing building is quite tricky as you never know what you will find, especially where the structure has been altered many times in the past.

Photo credit: Borras Construction

In this project we were able to retain large areas of the existing steel work and foundations whilst still carrying out significant remodelling of the existing footprint.

Photo credit: Acanthus Clews

Making the design work within the confines of the existing structure’s limitations required a shared vision and commitment from the whole project team.