Case Study

Building: Resource for London

Client: Ethical Property Company

Website: www.resourceforlondon.org

Project type: Energy audit

Property: Large office complex over six floors with exhibition / conference space & café

Size: 5,848 sqm

Location: Islington, London

Overview: Resource for London was built between 1892 & 1899 for William Pierce Jones and used as a department store until August 1990 when John Lewis Partnership ceased trading on the site. The building was converted into its current use in 1993. Some improvements were made when it was refurbished. The systems included a large gas boiler, air conditioning units, air handling units for ventilation and electric point of use hot water heaters. Lighting was mostly panels of T8 fluorescent tubes.

Our recommendations: There were significant opportunities for saving energy and water. We recommended a holistic package of measures to address all aspects of energy and water consumption to reduce bills by around £35,000 per year. A saving of 29%.  Savings could be realised through a combination of energy efficiency measures, renewable energy systems, ongoing monitoring of utility bills and management.  The measures include replacing the lighting with LEDs with motion sensors in communal areas, adding a central control to the large Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) air conditioning units, installing solar panels (photovoltaics), installing a new boiler, replacing the electronic water heaters with new efficient units, improving the flat roof insulation and installing low water use taps in the toilet areas.

Grants: we identified two grant opportunities to help with capital costs and helped secure £10,000 towards installing the LED lighting on the first two floors and communal areas.