London City Hall goes green

The converted status is only awarded to buildings able to show an accurately measured carbon footprint, effective carbon management systems and demonstrable work on reducing energy consumption year on year.

The landmark building, designed by leading architect Sir Norman Foster, was opened in July 2002 and was designed to maximise energy efficiency.

A spokeswoman for the Greater London Authority told edie.net: “Investment into a range of measures to make City Hall more energy efficiency will result in significant financial savings totalling £250,000 over the next 10 years.

“The upfront costs of these building improvements will be recouped as a result of these cuts, equally around 10% off annual fuel bills.”

Recent improvements including improved recycling, ongoing smart meter installation and voltage optimisation technology have further cut the building’s carbon footprint.

How staff travel to work is also changing with more encouraged to cycle with bike loans and pool bikes, so that between 10 to 15% now cycle to work.

Other improvements still underway in the building will see more energy efficient lighting, which will emit less heat and use less energy installed, and a trial of more effective ways to turn off lights outside of office hours

Timing controls are also set to be introduced to shower and hot water generators, to improve the energy usage around the building.

This drive to identify operational efficiencies and reduce the building’s carbon output, has led also led to City Hall being awarded an improvement in its Display Energy Certificate rating from an E to a D.

While the building has also been signed up to the 10:10 campaign a drive to get individuals and organisations to cut their carbon footprint by 10% in 2010.

Luke Walsh