CHALLENGE
Sherrygreen Homes aimed to deliver a mixed-use development in Highams Park that met ambitious sustainability objectives while navigating stringent planning requirements under the London Plan and Waltham Forest Local Plan. Working closely with the Savills Planning team, the challenge was to integrate energy efficiency, whole life carbon reduction, and circular economy principles into the design, ensuring compliance with policy and alignment with Net Zero aspirations. It was key to mitigate overheating risk for this constrained site, adjacent to Highams Park train station and tracks, where restrictions to opening windows were identified due to acoustic reasons.
SOLUTION
Savills Earth developed a comprehensive sustainability strategy for James Yard, integrating high performance principles from concept design. The energy strategy adopted a fabric-first approach, supported by high-efficiency MVHR systems, communal air source heat pumps, and a 46 kWp photovoltaic array. This integrated solution significantly reduced operational carbon and enhanced overall building performance. Overheating risk was addressed using dynamic thermal modelling and peak-lopping MVHR systems, ensuring compliance performance standards and safeguarding both thermal and acoustic comfort to residents. Whole life carbon was assessed to guide low-carbon material choices, while circular economy principles shaped construction and waste strategies. These measures were consolidated in a Sustainability Statement, securing compliance and targeting BREEAM ‘Very Good’ for commercial spaces.
RESULTS
The project achieved an 80% reduction in regulated carbon emissions compared to the Part L 2021 baseline. Overheating was mitigated through measures that ensured compliance with CIBSE TM59, delivering thermal comfort across all habitable spaces. A whole life carbon assessment met GLA benchmarks and targeted aspirational goals, while circular economy principles were embedded throughout design and construction. These strong sustainability credentials supported planning approval and provide a clear pathway towards Net Zero.