Paddington Central / Amenities / Sustainability

PaddingtonCentral is one of the most significant modern regeneration schemes in London and has become a model for sustainable development, constructed in an environmentally responsible way on re-used land close to a public transport hub.

PaddingtonCentral rigorously embraces the changing standards of sustainable construction, including:

  • Building Regulations 2010 Part L
  • The Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations 2007 and the need for Energy Performance Certificates
  • Consideration of the potential for overheating in the summer and CIBSE TM 37 - Design for improved Solar Shading Control
  • National, Regional and Local Planning Policy

Phase 1 at PaddingtonCentral achieved BREEAM Very Good and both One Kingdom Street and Two Kingdom achieved BREEAM Excellent, as well as a higher rating than benchmarked by the Government for the Energy Performance Certificate. The following initiatives have helped achieve this impressive record:

1. Estate Design

PaddingtonCentral is virtually vehicle free at street level, with a separate entrance for servicing and parking at level -2. One and Two Kingdom Street have excellent provision for bicycles (200 and 239 spaces respectively.) Pedestrians benefit from the bridge and towpath alongside the reclaimed canal, providing direct access to Paddington station. Bio-diversity enhancement has been achieved by the planting of nine native species.

2. Sustainability Matrix

On all phases a bespoke sustainability matrix was developed by the architect (Sidell Gibson on Phase 1, Sheppard Robson on One Kingdom Street, Kohn Pedersen Fox on Two Kingdom Street and Allies & Morrison on Four and Five Kingdom Street) and the sustainability consultant (Faber Maunsell). This was used as a checklist of best practice and to provide an audit trail of the sustainability implications of any design changes. The matrix covers all elements of design and construction, including the provision of renewable energy, specification of recycled materials, reduction of construction waste, cost-in-use analysis and user comfort. Using the matrix, the developer and full design team identified which best practice measures would be adopted, and noted the reasons for any which were not adopted.

Integrated Design During construction a monthly report is issued by the main contractor (Bovis Lend Lease on Phase 1 and Skanska on One and Two Kingdom Street) and Faber Maunsell, the sustainability and engineering consultant. The report measures waste streams, power and water, diesel, vehicle movements and CO2 emissions. We then review the results with our sustainability advisor at regular intervals to assess the success of meeting the targets and seeking new initiatives in respect of recycling and energy saving. One example is the use of reusable pallets. The meetings ensure that carbon emissions and other environmental impacts are kept to a minimum. As a result of these meetings during the construction of One Kingdom Street more than 97% of waste was recycled and only canteen waste (0.3%) went direct to landfill.

3. Construction Practice

During construction a monthly report is issued by the main contractor (Bovis Lend Lease on Phase 1 and Skanska on One and Two Kingdom Street) and Faber Maunsell, the sustainability and engineering consultant. The report measures waste streams, power and water, diesel, vehicle movements and CO2 emissions. We then review the results with our sustainability advisor at regular intervals to assess the success of meeting the targets and seeking new initiatives in respect of recycling and energy saving. One example is the use of reusable pallets. The meetings ensure that carbon emissions and other environmental impacts are kept to a minimum. As a result of these meetings during the construction of One

4. Effective Energy Use

Extensive use has been made of renewable energy technologies to minimise CO2 emissions. Cooling requirements are minimised by specialist glazing with advanced low G coatings and thermally broken frames, and the extensive use of brie soleil. Energy consumption is minimised by the following features which provide maximum efficiency with minimum emissions:

  • Ground source heat pumps act as a large heat exchanger
  • Roof mounted solar panels heat the domestic hot water (providing a circa 2% saving on the total development carbon emissions)
  • Highly efficient chillers with optimised controls provide the chilled water
  • Fully condensing low NOx emission gas fired boilers generate the low temperature hot water
  • The six passenger lifts in Two Kingdom Street will be fitted with low-friction, gearless Kone EcoDisk system which reduces electricity consumption by half compared to a similar geared installation
  • Responsive space allows occupiers to take control of their environment and reduce consumption. Facilities include presence detection control of lighting, daylight control for perimeter lighting, local lighting zones and water and electricity sub-metering
  • Facilities including storage for fuel have also been provided for the installation of a bio fuel boiler


      • 5. Employees and Subcontractors

      With respect to the construction process, much work was devoted to inserting relevant clauses in the contract requirements. As part of the Skanska ISO 14001 Environmental Management System, Sub Contractors undergo a pre-approval selection process. Each Sub Contractor completes a pre-qualifying questionnaire, which scores their environmental management commitments. Based on the results, they can then be added to the Skanska Approved Supply List.

      After an initial briefing to stress the client and design team's commitment to sustainability, the contractor developed an Environmental Management Plan and Sustainability Plan for the project. As well as identifying roles and responsibilities, the Sustainability Plan incorporates the Site Energy and Water Management Plan, the Social and Economic Plan, the Project Waste Management Plan, the Project Travel Plan, and the format for the monthly environmental report. These plans have been updated throughout the construction period.

      Regular team building project workshops are held on a regular basis to aid the delegates understanding of the project objectives and facilitate the continued team efforts to an excellent standard.

      Regular Health and Safety reporting occurs on a monthly basis to the Development Securities Board. On site initiatives include a one minute silence for any Skanska worldwide fatalities to highlight the importance of health and safety compliance.

      6. dcarbon8

      Commitment to carbon reduction by engaging carbon reduction specialist dcarbon8 to monitor, report and recommend ways to reduce the scheme's carbon footprint. We continue to measure our carbon footprint and seek to compare 2KS (concrete frame) with 1KS (steel frame).