1 Broadgate has achieved a final BREEAM Outstanding rating, securing a score of 95.3% under the BREEAM New Construction 2018 Shell and Core assessment. The result reflects the depth of ambition, rigour and close collaboration embedded across the project from the earliest stages of development.
Designed by AHMM architects for British Land and GIC, 1 Broadgate is a 14‑storey, office‑led, mixed‑use development delivering 545,000 sq ft NIA of flexible space within British Land’s established Broadgate Campus. Hilson Moran supported the project from early feasibility through to construction and practical completion, providing integrated MEP design, sustainability, infrastructure, vertical transportation, BIM and ecology services.
Design for Performance
A defining feature of the project was the adoption of an innovative Digital Energy Twin approach to energy modelling, enabling design decisions to be tested against in‑use performance outcomes, as well as a smooth transition to piloting and adopting NABERS UK Design for Performance. This approach helped the project achieve Energy Use Intensity and Upfront Carbon best practice ten years ahead of UKGBC and LETI targets were published.
Energy performance was a major contributor to the BREEAM outcome. The building achieved an EPC A rating and secured 73% of the available energy credits, underpinned by a highly efficient heat pump strategy, energy recycling between office and retail uses, mixed‑mode ventilation and a strong focus on closing the performance gap between design and operation.
Circular Economy Principles
Circular economy principles were embedded throughout the development. A comprehensive pre-demolition audit and a series of circular economy workshops informed a robust materials strategy focused on reuse and responsible sourcing. This included reclaiming 200 tonnes of granite from the original façade to create terrazzo tiles within the new building, alongside the reuse or repurposing of structural steel, raised access flooring, carpets, doors and furniture.
In total, more than 13,000 tonnes of non-hazardous demolition waste were diverted from landfill, contributing to strong BREEAM performance across materials and waste categories. The project also secured a BREEAM Innovation credit through the use of the Madaster materials passport.
Health and Wellbeing
Water efficiency and biodiversity were also key considerations within the design. Low-flow sanitary fittings and efficient irrigation systems support reduced water consumption, while extensive landscaped terraces and a new pocket park helped secure all available ecology credits and provide valuable amenity space for occupiers.
The development places a strong emphasis on health, wellbeing and sustainable travel. High‑quality cyclist changing facilities and generous cycle storage encourage active travel, while the building’s flexible mixed‑mode ventilation strategy and access to some of the largest landscaped terraces in London support occupant comfort, wellbeing and connection to the outdoors.
Tenant Engagement
Early soft landings engagement with facilities management teams helped future-proof operational performance, while detailed utilities investigations reduced delivery risk and supported cost efficiencies during construction. Environmental performance ambitions also played an important role in early leasing discussions, with strong collaboration established between the project team and tenants around shared sustainability goals.
Completing on time and within budget, 1 Broadgate demonstrates how integrated design, operational energy innovation and circular economy thinking can deliver exceptional sustainability outcomes at scale, setting a new benchmark for commercial development within the City of London.
