**FIVE KEY TAKEAWAYS**
What we've learned so far
The procurement of this project, via a two stage approach, has enabled the construction and sub contractor teams to get involved and influence the design from an early stage. This has delivered carbon savings through innovative material changes, that simply would not have been reversible had it been left too late. Get the key people round the table early and anything is possible.
Whilst there isn't a carbon target for lab enabled offices it is important to set out on the design pathway with the end in mind. Whether this be a targeted carbon saving, or a holistic aspiration for sustainable material use, it's good to encompass this into an overall vision. The Morgan Sindall Construction Sustainability Charter, developed at the outset of a project, can help tease out these key objectives.
Whilst a vision is important, we all know that if things are being measured, they tend to get delivered. At Unity Campus our team has collaboratively developed a set of measurable KPI targets for the scheme, that will help drive low carbon and cost effective solutions on the scheme.
Even though there are elements of low carbon construction that inevitably add to the budget, there are alternatives that don't. By using CarboniCa in parallel to the costing process we are able to make decisions in balance. A final word though that it is important to discuss the link between CAPEX and OPEX so that short term decision making doesn't affect the cost and carbon impact of the building long term
Reducing carbon is everyone's responsibility - so it's important to ensure every party is involved in contributing. At Unity Campus this has ranged from significant material changes in design to save carbon, right through to fuel use and green travel plans on site. Our carbon champions in the business can also help with Carbon Literacy to help upskill stakeholders that need help achieving their objectives.
