Erith Church Manorway, Erith

Solution
Glencar worked with Firethorn to develop and build three industrial units covering a total area of 96,875 sq ft, developed following the demolition of previous constructions. As well as a modern warehouse with a PV roof, the project featured a modern mezzanine office with comfort cooling and LED lighting, and welfare facilities to enhance employee wellbeing.

The earthworks, drainage and foundation design carefully considered the poor ground conditions and site levels were arranged to optimise a balance of materials. To overcome poor ground conditions, we utilised rapid impact compaction (RIC) ground improvement techniques and driven precast piles. For earthworks we were able to achieve an optimum cut & fill balance, omitting export of material offsite with introduction of engineered reinforced earth embankments.

To support an efficient engineered solution, we utilised low carbon materials such recycled steel frame (up to 100% for some elements), maximising cement replacement where feasible, low carbon cladding and recycled materials such as aggregates, resulting in 396 kgCO₂e/m² (from initial baseline of 520 kgCO₂e/m²)

Upon completion, the client has purchased carbon offsets to certify the building as Net Zero Carbon in construction.

Background
Firethorn Trust are a real estate investor and developer who acquired a number of sites in Peterborough, Barnsley and Erith with goals of turning the sites into logistic space spanning separate units. The schemes were to be delivered to Net Zero Carbon (NZC) in construction and BREEAM certification. Firethorn’s ambition for NZC building meant that we had to prioritise upfront carbon reduction across key carbon intensive building elements. The projects had the added challenge of extremely poor ground conditions and fast delivery program. Furthermore, Glencar wanted to ensure that the flooring does not experience issues with flatness during building’s lifetime and reducing maintenance time and costs.

These three industrial and logistic schemes were developed to achieve significant reductions in whole life carbon, designed with reference to the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) Framework Definition for Net Zero Carbon Buildings and in line with the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard, ensuring that our clients are able to support customers with achieving their own Net Zero goals.

By selecting low carbon materials and innovative designs, we’ve significantly reduced our carbon footprint while achieving substantial cost savings. These projects are the cornerstone of our green initiatives, demonstrating the outcomes we can achieve by constructing differently. We’re not just building a sustainable future; we’re building it differently.