199 Bishopsgate at our Broadgate campus, originally constructed in 1989, is closely situated by Exchange Square and adjacent to Liverpool Street Station. The building has undergone significant transformations over the years, showcasing British Land's commitment to sustainability and innovation. This series of upgrades initially enabled us to improve the building's Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) from a D to a B rating. Further interventions have now positioned this asset as EPC A. 

Regular review of energy performance of our assets is a fundamental part of implementing our net zero pathway, enabling us to understand the potential impact of upgrades and different low carbon technologies. Below we detail some of the main interventions as part of our ‘rolling retrofit’ approach to 199 Bishopsgate undertaken to date.

2012 Façade replacement:

• The refurbishment in 2012 included a façade replacement, significantly enhancing the building's thermal qualities.

2019-2023 Lighting upgrades:

• The On-Site Management team engaged with all occupiers to replace lighting with modern LED efficient lighting. This initiative included the life cycle replacement of landlord lighting and associated controls throughout the building.

2023 Reception refurbishment and vacant floor fit-outs:

• With a focus on adopting circular economy principles from the outset, the Development team refurbished the main reception, updating Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and LED lighting. Several ‘shell and core’ fit-outs on vacant floors were completed, focusing on updating lighting while reusing Fused Connection Units to reduce embodied carbon. The domestic hot water systems were electrified for end-of-trip facilities.

2023 HVAC equipment review:

• The Technical Services team conducted a thorough review of the HVAC equipment, using smart metering platforms to evidence the actual performance of the systems, aiding in the EPC rating process.

“It is always a challenge to replace key equipment in an operational building whilst maintaining services and this project was no different. With full gas removal and brand-new efficient equipment, the scheme has already reduced operational carbon significantly whilst maintaining comfort conditions for our customers.” – Matt Beales, Head of Technical Services

2023 Gas to electric upgrade:

• Replaced aged inefficient equipment with new heat pump technology, fully removing gas from the building. The old chillers were sold for reuse, providing emergency cooling in Greater London, rather than being discarded. A notable example of reducing embodied carbon by adhering to circular economy principles. 
• Despite one gas boiler remaining during the final commissioning of the ASHPs, a c. 91,000 kWh reduction in gas consumption was achieved year-on-year. 

2024 EPC A rating achievement:

• Following all works and an occupier fit-out, the building was reassessed in 2024 and achieved an EPC A rating. This remarkable transformation from an EPC D to an A rating is a testament to the strategic planning and execution across teams.

“This achievement really was a collaboration between all stakeholders. The Property Management team engaged with occupiers to help with their own Net Zero pathways and reduce their energy consumption, contributing to the property achieving an EPC A rating. The Development team completed another high spec fit-out, re-using and replacing highly efficient equipment were required. And finally, the Environmental Sustainability team, identified the assets with the highest performance specification to meet the EPC requirements to maximise the rating potential.” – Matt Beales, Head of Technical Services