Hi

We are currently designing a new skyscraper for a client, and they are interested to see our ideas for ways to minimise the environmental impact and improve efficiency of the building.

The client would like their new building to achieve a BREEAM certification, which is a sustainability assessment method for projects, infrastructure and buildings. BREEAM recognises and reflects the value in higher performing assets across the built environment lifecycle, from new construction to in-use and refurbishment and BREEAM rated developments are more sustainable environments that enhance the well-being of the people who live and work in them, help protect natural resources and make for more attractive property investments.

Sustainability, however it is defined, is essentially an ethical question. Is it worth the effort? If sustainability is just defined as “energy neutral”— that is, the building generates as much energy as it uses in its daily operations — the effort seems worth the result.

However, if sustainability is defined as a building’s total carbon footprint, including the energy required to extract and /or recycle its materials, make all its components, erect it, and operate it, the equation is quite different. Perhaps the goal of a truly sustainable building is to be a power plant of sorts, connected to the grid, generating enough energy to serve its own needs and also pumping enough back into the grid to make up for the carbon that was emitted to build it.

I have a task that needs completing, and I’d really like your help.

I have heard that the Shard Building in London was a strong example of an environmentally-sound skyscraper, and I’d like you to do some research and present back to me the solutions they used that could be suitable for our client.

I’ve included the resources you need to complete the task, including documents, images, videos and templates. They should give you plenty of ideas and information.

Follow the instructions, and when you’re ready, complete your task. All this should take you about 45 minutes.

When you’re finished with your task, you can learn more about the employers, job roles and projects in this area of construction.