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GLP Magna Park Milton Keynes Magnitude 314

The world’s first Net Zero Carbon for Construction verified building in line with the UKGBC framework
Size
314,000 sqft
Location
Milton Keynes
Status
Complete
Contractor
Designers
Chetwoods Architect
Client
Royal Mail
Photographer
David Morris Photography

A ground-breaking logistics development at GLP’s flagship logistics park Magna Park Milton Keynes, that on completion in 2020 was confirmed as the world’s first Net Zero Carbon for Construction verified building in line with the UKGBC framework. The building is now occupied by Royal Mail.

GLP is committed to achieving continual improvement not only in terms of how efficiently it constructs buildings, but in the specification it sets out and the materials used. From the outset Magnitude 314 set out to demonstrate that it could implement, deliver and measure a positive effect on users, the local community and the environment.

The project team undertook more detailed, deeper assessments of the build then previously, with the building specifications set to maximise both efficiency and sustainability of materials, resulting in significantly lower levels of embodied carbon. Overall, the design resulted in a 25.8% reduction in embodied carbon compared to a standard logistics building.

Key members of the building supply chain including material manufacturers and component suppliers were asked to provide a complete breakdown and assessment of the products being supplied including details of their origin, embodied carbon value and whether the product can be reused or recycled. Chetwoods Thrive and Circular Ecology, along with other leaders in their fields, were engaged to help the design team and wider supply chain collaborate and reduce as much embodied carbon as possible.

This was GLP’s sixth building to go through the Planet Mark accreditation scheme. The project followed WELL principles throughout and is rated BREEAM 2014 Excellent. Its delivery performed well in social value terms, resulting in over 39% of added social value against a contract value of £12 million. This was well above the expectation of 10–15% of social value delivery for similar construction projects.

We also acted as sustainability consultant with Savills as the social value consultant.

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impact

Project Highlights
  • The world’s first Net Zero Carbon for Construction verified building
  • Innovative grid-based modular systems and standardisation
  • Followed WELL principles and rated BREEAM 2014 Excellent
  • Design adopted as the new model for all future GLP projects
  • Building specifications set to maximise both efficiency and sustainability of materials
  • Delivered significant social, economic and environmental impact

A comment on the project

"This is a landmark development for GLP and we hope that it will set a new standard for sustainability in the sector. The team is constantly striving to find innovative ways to improve the carbon footprint of our buildings and ensure that GLP is considered synonymous with sustainable development."
Nick Cook
President, GLP Europe