Alternatively, we use solar film and external blinds, and if possible, design the building so the lab is north-facing..

Lastly, improving the efficiency.of existing buildings with adaptive reuse will attenuate the peak demand on the national grid, which is under growing pressure due to the electrification of buildings and transportation..

The downside of retrofitting and reusing buildings is that renovated buildings are, in most cases, still not as energy efficient as new buildings.Depending on the extent of the upgrades in the reused buildings, air quality, thermal insulation and visual experience may not be as good, are not always suitable and may not be flexible enough to accommodate different uses..It is worth noting that the potential effects of building refurbishment, in terms of operational carbon, embodied carbon and wellbeing, are specific to the characteristics of the existing building.

The best results are achieved when the refurbishment is planned carefully from a holistic point of view, addressing all the different factors of the retrofit together..Sustainable design: Net Zero Carbon refurbishment.

(LETI) and Bryden Wood.

Bryden Wood’s approach to adaptive reuse uses a clear operational and embodied carbon hierarchy, as shown in the diagrams below.‘No two projects have been the same and I have enjoyed working on them all.’.

When asked about the biggest challenge of his apprenticeship so far, Charlie says, ‘Upon joining Bryden Wood, I came straight from school.It was my first full time job and I didn’t know what to expect.’.

That the experience has been a positive one for him is clear.‘To other people leaving school, I would 100% recommend an apprenticeship.’ he says.