The store, which is expected to open later this year and create 350 new jobs, aims to become the retailers most carbon efficient and provide a business showcase.
This follows M&S’ sustainable stores success in Ecclesall Road, Sheffield and Westfield Stratford, London.
Architects Aukett Fitzroy Robinson won a competition to secure the project with a design, which reflects the Plan A concept. As a result, the design strategy addresses several sustainability issues, including; carbon, waste, biodiversity, community, material, travel and access across the 209,068 sq ft store.
The design uses a range of sustainable technologies and practices, such as low carbon and carbon absorbing products, including; 100% FSC-certified engineered softwood timber and hemp and lime external wall panels.
In addition, M&S claims the store is on track to achieve, and in some cases exceed, a number of other sustainable and environmental standards, including; sourcing all timber from sustainable sources, achieving a BREEAM excellent rating and for 70% of the store’s heating to come from heat reclamation and a biomass boiler.
It also aims to generate zero construction waste to landfill and use rainwater harvesting to supply all toilets are irrigate the store’s ‘living greenwall’.
M&S Plan A property project manager Rachel Mellows, said: “These stores are test beds to try new technologies and new ways of working. Trying things out in a real environment and evaluating them alongside staff and customers is key.”
Ms Mellows and Simons Group environmental champion Ed Dixon, who helped M&S develop the initiative, will be speaking about the project at the Greenbuild Expo 2012 on May 9.
Carys Matthews