Mace’s commercial offices and residential division has completed the redevelopment of its first project without the use of diesel.
The central London site on 78 St James’s Street, which is a Grade II-listed property, was formerly used by HSBC Bank as a headquarters but now offers high-quality business facilities and a space for events.
Electric plant machinery was employed on site, which helped to save more than 5,500kg of carbon emissions during construction. The kit also helped to cut down on the air pollution and elevated noise levels associated with traditional combustion engines.
Mace redeveloped the listed property on behalf of investor BentallGreenOak.
The original 19th-century building has been redeveloped to include basement car parking, with charging stations for electric vehicles, as well as docks for cycles. While the 1840s facade was retained, other new features were added to the office, including shower facilities, outdoor terraces and a business lounge.
The total redevelopment has been valued at £26.7m by construction intelligence provider Glenigan.
Mace managing director of commercial offices and residential Ged Simmonds said the project was a triumph for low-carbon construction.
“Seventy-eight St James’s Street presented us with the unique opportunity to deliver a building that seamlessly integrates its heritage with all the amenities of a modern workplace. The exceptional result is one which our team can be proud of, particularly as the construction raised the bar in sustainable delivery,” Simmonds said.
Elsewhere in London, HS2 recently announced that its ventilation shaft site in South Kilburn was a diesel-free operation.
The rebate on red diesel, which was subsidised for construction, ended in April, pushing firms to find sustainable methods of delivery.
