Momentum is our innovative industrial and logistics development spanning 20 acres of prime land in Rainham, strategically positioned alongside the bustling River Thames cycle path in London. Teaming up with Barings, we are on the verge of completing this state of the art project, poised to redefine the landscape of sustainable industrial and logistics facilities.
In the second of our articles exploring the sustainability initiatives at the building, we meet Stuart McHendry, Senior Sustainability Consultant at Cundall. Here, he tells us about the realities of pursuing net zero carbon and how modelling and a steadfast dedication to sustainability have helped Momentum chart a course towards achieving Net Zero carbon in operations, an A+ EPC rating, a BREEAM Excellent rating.
HBD is a longstanding client of Cundall, and it’s exciting to work on projects together as we explore routes to Net Zero at places like Island in Manchester and Momentum in London – the focus of this piece.
Momentum represents a significant departure from the traditional industrial and logistics (I&L) landscape, a sector historically not known for its environmental stewardship. Characterised by heavy traffic and expansive facilities, I&L sites often face challenges in minimising their ecological footprint.
However, HBD, driven by a relentless pursuit of innovation, embarked on a mission to redefine the norms of the I&L industry. Drawing inspiration from successful endeavours in sustainable projects such as Power Park in Nottingham, where 90% of materials were recycled, HBD aimed to set a new standard with Momentum.
Aiming for net zero
Recognising the need to mitigate environmental impact, HBD engaged Cundall to spearhead the development of a comprehensive net-zero strategy for Momentum. This marked the beginning of a transformative journey aimed at not only meeting but exceeding sustainability goals within the I&L sector.
From the outset, we prioritised early engagement and collaboration. W
We also carefully assessed the materials we had to use given the nature of the structure – notably steel framing. Steel is common in large-scale I&L buildings due to their size, so we sought innovative ways to mitigate its environmental footprint. While steel is recyclable, we aimed to enhance its sustainability by incorporating other eco-friendly materials throughout the project.
It was our collective commitment to modelling and benchmarking that played a pivotal role in shaping Momentum’s sustainability journey. By leveraging real-world data and setting a baseline with HBD, we were able to identify viable solutions and refine design features to achieve optimal sustainability outcomes.
Momentum for the future
Momentum is a great example of what can be done at scale, and how sustainability becomes increasingly integral to business operations, it’s essential to strike a balance between environmental responsibility and commercial success. By investing in smarter design and prioritising long-term sustainability, we can create buildings that not only minimise operational costs but also enhance user experience and environmental stewardship.
Ultimately, Momentum stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability in the I&L sector. Moving forward, we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of sustainable development, listening to stakeholders, and crafting solutions that meet the evolving needs of people, place, and planet.