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11 & 12 Wellington Place is one of the UK’s most sustainable office buildings. Located on Leeds’ urban quarter, Wellington Place, Arup’s work on the development has included several new sustainable design features that optimise its performance while minimising carbon emissions, without compromising on constructability or the comfort of future occupants.
Developed by MEPC, Arup was appointed to provide mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) services and to be lead NABERS consultant, working in partnership with the architect, TP Bennett, and the contractor, Wates, to reimagine the concept of a post-pandemic office.
The building is operationally net zero carbon and has become the first outside London – and only fourth in the UK – to achieve a NABERS Design for Performance rating of 5* or above, creating a new benchmark for sustainable developments in Yorkshire, and the UK.
Reimagining the post-pandemic office
Minimising the building’s reliance on fossil fuels and reducing energy demand was a key priority for our client. A shift in the building’s sustainability strategy in 2020 meant the initial design for the building, which adopted the same approach as the other Grade A offices across the Wellington Place scheme, had to be enhanced.
It was Arup’s responsibility to challenge the status quo, working collaboratively with the architect and main contractor to provide a more sustainable alternative.
Project Summary
5* NABERS rating targeted
2 starFitwell rating targeted
407 tonnesof carbon forecast to be saved annually
“11 & 12 Wellington Place is the first in a set of developments at the scheme set to revolutionise sustainable construction while always keeping social responsibility at their heart. ” Paul Pavia Commercial Director, MEPC
Bridging the gap in energy efficiency
The transition toward a highly efficient and sustainable building required fundamental changes to the MEP systems used throughout the building. An all-electric reversible air source heat pump system replaced gas fired boilers and air-cooled chillers to eliminate fossil fuel usage. Fabric upgrades, triple glazing, higher levels of air tightness, and lighting efficiency and control improvements also helped reduce energy demands.
In addition to design upgrades, roof-mounted solar photovoltaics (PV) were increased from 500m² to 700m², allowing the building to run entirely on electricity generated from onsite PV and electricity from a renewable energy tariff, meeting the requirements of UKGBC net zero carbon operational energy standard. The onsite PV will generate the equivalent annual electricity of more than 42 homes, saving a forecasted 407 tonnes of carbon annually.
The contractor is also undertaking a building whole life cycle analysis (LCA) to quantify the embodied carbon associated with 11 & 12, to ensure the continual improvement of the Wellington Place scheme going forward.
Net zero carbon operational energy
Office occupiers are increasingly demanding buildings with a high level of sustainability performance.
A dedicated, real-time energy management and metering system will provide live and continual feedback alongside the enhanced controls. We developed the metering strategy for the system, which will help ensure the building operates as efficiently as possible.
The system will report into a smart building platform, accessible via a mobile app, which provides energy feedback amongst other features, giving tenants greater control of lighting and temperature. The building’s smart functionality will support occupants in running the building sustainably, while creating a more comfortable working environment.
Seamless integration and connectivity
Coordinating with other disciplines and interfaces to the wider Wellington Place site was key to allowing for future connectivity into adjacent plots within the scheme.
We have been a key partner supporting the Wellington Place development since its inception in 2006, working alongside MEPC and the design team to establish the high-level strategy and masterplan. As a result of this ongoing collaboration, and the further work on buildings throughout the scheme, we developed and drew on key expertise both locally and nationally, which was pivotal to the integration of this flexible and aspirational office environment.
The building improvements have enabled the development to target higher ratings in a range of globally recognised certification standards, including EPC A, BREEAM Outstanding and NABERS 5*.
In 2024, 12 Wellington Place became Arup's office in Leeds.
“The five-star NABERS DfP rating recognises the building has been designed with the highest level of sustainable performance in mind, based on the in-use energy consumption which ensures ongoing monitoring, validation and improvement resulting in long-term energy savings and carbon reductions. I am proud of the commitments made by the project team and the collaboration demonstrated to make this great achievement possible.
”Craig Havenhand Director
