1 Finsbury Avenue’s decarbonisation journey – part 1

1 Finsbury Avenue (1FA) is about to embark on a sustainability and environmental responsibility journey in line with British Land’s net zero carbon ambition. The decision to undertake a decarbonisation project at 1FA marks an important moment in the building's history by replacing gas boilers and water heaters with cutting-edge heat pump technology and highly efficient chillers.

Through regular blogs I will document my thoughts and experiences of the project, whilst exploring the challenges, innovations, and collaborations required to decarbonise a ‘live’ building. The project, however, is not just about reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy efficiency; it is about delivering the new standard for sustainable practices in the built environment that have been successfully introduced to other British Land properties.

As we set to work on the scope and brief of the decarbonisation plan, Arup were engaged from the outset to consider project feasibility. As the original M&E consultants of the building and engaged consultants for the building’s refurbishment in 2019, Arup were perfectly placed to provide support.  This early engagement enabled us to consider not just the design and selection of equipment, but to look holistically at the how the building may operate more efficiently. Much thought has also been given to the approach on project delivery within a fully occupied and operational building, and how to do this with minimal disruption to customers.

One such example is roof membrane replacement. The ideal scenario would be to remove an asset, complete the membrane replacement, and then install the new asset (everyone’s a winner)! Alas, this approach is not to be a reality. Instead, detailed sequencing of asset and membrane replacements, through collaboration between roofing and M&E contractors, has been developed to ensure both project timelines are maintained.

The existing air-cooled chillers are nearing the end of their working life, and we are keen to ensure resilience through summer. Due to lead times in manufacture of the new equipment (12-16 weeks) two new assets were procured ahead of the full project tender returns, along with the requisite crane lift and road closure approvals from the City of London.

Road closure approval provided our first unexpected roadblock (quite literally)! The location where the crane needs to be sited for a successful and safe lift just happens to be where neighbouring developments have road closures for their own works, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the project timeline. Through collaboration with our development colleagues, however, a date has been agreed for early July that suits all……here’s hoping!

Navigating this first ‘blocker’ has made it clear that a proactive and adaptable approach will be key as the project progresses. This early experience highlighted the importance of flexibility, clear management prioritisation, and creative problem-solving, and collaboration in the face of unexpected challenges.

The decarbonisation project at 1 FA will serve as a testament to our dedication and commitment in driving sustainable change in the built environment. More importantly, it will show that there is sustainable life yet in a 40-year young building! For me the big challenge lies in executing the decarbonisation plan while ensuring the building remains fully operational, and with minimal disruption to our customers!

The thoughts and observations above are my own and do not necessarily represent the position, strategy, or opinions of British Land.