A groundbreaking self-supporting glass façade, the tallest of its kind in China, wraps Beijing’s unique new library. Andy Pearson finds out how engineer Eckersley O’Callaghan turned a highly complex design into a buildable reality
Category: Case Studies
British Land’s heat pump retrofit at York House
The adoption of energy management standards has been key to enabling British Land to target net zero carbon by 2030 and begin the energy transition to heat pumps across its multibillion-pound estate. Alex Smith reports
Kilowatts to Kernow: Decarbonising Cornish housing
In developing a decarbonisation strategy for housing in Cornwall, Etude is recommending a heat pump-first approach for the majority of properties, as Chris Worboys, Naomi Grint and Kate Millen explain
From gas to green: heat pump installation at Greenpeace
By swapping a boiler for an air source heat pump at its North London HQ, Greenpeace UK is leading by example in saying no to gas. Andy Pearson reports on the challenges of converting the 1920s premises
Smart thinking: AI-driven energy savings
Leveraging AI and data analysis, MTR Corporation has slashed energy use in two large Hong Kong properties. The MTR Corporation’s Ethan Poon describes how the digitisation projects are setting new benchmarks for building optimisation
Working with fans: monitoring air quality at concession stands
A study monitoring CO2 in food and drink kiosks at major venues revealed the poor air quality in busy periods. A summary of work by UCL’s Filipa Adzic highlights the importance of flexible ventilation strategies
The museum of tomorrow: The London Museum transformation
The London Museum’s relocation to Smithfield Market is an ambitious £437m project to transform a series of abandoned market buildings into a state-of-the-art cultural destination. Andy Pearson looks at how Arup’s smart services strategy will ensure energy use is 70% lower than Building Regulations
Home advantage: Everton Football Club’s new stadium
Everton Football Club’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock is nearing completion, showcasing cutting-edge digital design and modern construction methods. Andy Pearson reports
Platform for sustainability: Paris Olympics Aquatics Centre
The low carbon, sustainable design of the Paris 2024 Aquatics Centre will help halve the Olympics’ carbon footprint compared with London 2012. Andy Pearson looks at the passive-first design and the lasting legacy of the Games’ only new venue
Out of site: modular heat pump solutions
With site accommodation contributing significantly to construction projects’ carbon footprints, engineers on a £227m residential scheme at Wembley Park have come up with a modular heat pump solution that cut operation carbon by 14 tonnes in six months, as Solaris Energy’s Daniel Large explains to Andy Pearson