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INDUSTRY VIEWFINDER
How much can tall buildings be ‘greened’?
The Act has also been the subject of criticism for causing a slowdown in the number of tall buildings being built. This has been specifi cally blamed on delays getting approval from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), due to constrained resources, and claims the BSR is prioritising remediation projects over new builds. There is a signifi cant backlog of Gateway 2 applications awaiting approval. When asked if the Act has led to a growth in the commissioning of a greater number of buildings over 18 metres tall, unsurprisingly only 10% reported that it has, with 38% saying no and over half (52%) saying they are unsure. A critical part of the Building Safety Act is the Gateway
regime, with Gateway 2 in particular having a signifi cant impact on architects. Of our respondents, 32% report they are supplying a ‘moderate level of detail’ at Gateway 2, and 10% say their applications include ‘comprehensive information.’ 26% say the information they supply is either ‘basic’ or ‘very limited,’ somewhat surprisingly.
Greening tall buildings
There are a number of solutions architects can utilise to boost the sustainability of tall building projects. While architects are seemingly on the fence as to whether solar activated facades are suitable (52% say yes), have concerns regarding fi re safety when it comes to using timber (71%), and are unsure whether glass cladding is a sustainable option for the future (only 29% say it is), there are other solutions – big and small – that can positively impact the environment.
Opinions on the suitability of individual passive design approaches are also split, though almost all of our cohort (98%) think they are generally achievable. When we asked how much tall buildings can be ‘greened,’ no-one said this was impossible. However, the most popular choice was 45% saying it was possible ‘to a moderate extent.’
We asked architects what green features they had implemented in tall building projects; topping the list was rainwater harvesting (74%), followed by native planting and landscaping, utilised by 63%. With some tall buildings post-Grenfell having received negative press for the comfort and living environment they can offer, features such as planting and landscaping that benefi t residents and users can have a positive impact that extends beyond the environment. SuDS, natural ventilation and cooling strategies, and green roofs and walls have all been utilised by 58% of respondents – some of which again have the added benefi t of creating a more pleasant environment for building occupants. Other options chosen included solar shading, mechanical ventilation systems and fenestration choices. Only 5% of respondents said they aren’t currently including any of the features we listed.
The ability of building users to control their own environment is another feature that can offer benefi ts to both the occupant and the environment. 58% of the architects we surveyed report that they are currently including ‘moderate control (e.g. adjustable vents and windows)’ in their tall building projects. It’s encouraging to see a reasonably signifi cant number taking this beyond ‘limited control,’ which only 21% of respondents selected. 16% even claim to be including ‘high control (e.g. fully personalised environmental settings).’ Again, not only do these types of solution benefi t the environment, but offer increased personal agency, alongside comfort, which can only boost the perception of tall buildings.
We would like to extend our thanks to our sponsors for supporting this Industry Viewfi nder research project.
For the full white paper report please visit:
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ADF NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025
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