Sustainability
As commercial architects we are well aware that the construction and property industry contribute a large percentage of the UK’s total carbon emissions. At WCEC we are committed to creating buildings based upon the principles of sustainability. Good sustainable design enriches the environment for the well being of the public, providing enduring buildings which are economic to use. We are members of the Green Register of construction professionals.
Our active sustainability group employs specialist skills in support of our technical teams. This ensures that we can provide viable, practical and sustainable building designs. Our expertise in this field ensures that we can integrate and co-ordinate specialist engineering disciplines within the wider design team.
We acknowledge our responsibility to do what we can to reduce carbon emissions, both in our day to day business activities and on developments which will be around for many years to come.
WCEC's first 'green roof' building now complete
Work is now complete on a community centre which will serve residents of the Arbury Park development in Cambridgeshire, a new neighbourhood created by developers Gallagher Estates.
The 4,000 sq ft building designed by WCEC Architects features a green nature roof, a low maintenance planted roof system which is fitted with drainage and low growing layers of plants and foliage. As well as creating a stunning rooftop display of colour when the plants are in bloom, the foliage recycles CO2 into O2 creating a healthy micro-climate and improving air quality in the immediate environment.
Raintwater is soaked up by the plants on the roof which reduces flood risk and helps to add additional sound proofing to the building. Increased insulation reduces the need for heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer, lowering the building’s running costs. Nature roofs also provide new habitats for wildlife helping to attract insects, birds and butterflies.