RETROFIT & SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS


How to tackle embodied carbon and operational energy in the fit-out scenario


W


Euan Somerville, director of crbn solutions, part of the Morris & Spottiswood Group, looks at why working with a construction partner with a multi- disciplinary approach can offer tangible benefits when it comes to embodied carbon and operational energy


1. Analyse


The foundation of any successful carbon reduction strategy lies in accurate data. Far too often, assumptions are made about a building’s performance that don’t reflect reality. A robust analysis should include half-hourly electricity metering data, detailed gas consumption figures, thermographic surveys, air pressure testing and U-value testing of building fabric. This focus on real-world measurements rather than theoretical values provides a genuine baseline for improvement. Without this critical first step, subsequent interventions risk being misdirected or delivering disappointing results. Buildings often deviate significantly from their design specifications over time due to changes in use, maintenance issues and equipment degradation. Understanding these real-world conditions through detailed measurement is essential for developing effective carbon reduction strategies.


In healthcare settings, infection control, safety and continuity of critical services require meticulous planning and specialised expertise


2. Design With accurate data in hand, the design phase can begin. This is where the value of having integrated resources such as in-house architects and designers shines through, as the ability to


5. Evaluate and optimise The job doesn’t end once installation is complete. Post-occupancy evaluations are essential to verify that buildings perform as expected – references to certification schemes like NABERS UK’s Design for Performance (DfP) can provide objective benchmarks for this evaluation.


Optimisation is an ongoing process. Building control systems often require fine-tuning and operational patterns may shift over time. Continuous monitoring can identify when systems might be ‘fighting each other’, such as simultaneous heating and cooling, and therefore creating unnecessary energy use. Seasonal temperature profiles often


reveal opportunities for ‘low-hanging fruit’ improvements that can deliver significant energy savings with minimal investment. These tweaks can sometimes yield carbon reductions of 10-15% before any major capital expenditure is needed.


Challenges of working in live environments


Decarbonisation projects frequently occur in occupied buildings, and that brings challenges. In healthcare settings, for example, infection control, safety and continuity of critical services require meticulous planning and specialised expertise.


It is vital to properly understand the existing


environment before work commences. This means obtaining accurate building information, and if client-provided manuals are incomplete or outdated, intrusive surveys often become necessary to identify potential hazards. In buildings constructed before 2000, asbestos management is a particular concern. Even in newer buildings, imported components may contain hazardous materials. Historical buildings present additional considerations with lead- based paint and other legacy materials. For complex environments such as hospitals, special measures will be needed. These include fully segregated work areas, air quality control systems with double-door airlocks, contamination prevention measures, and


Read the latest at: www.bsee.co.uk


ith the UK’s ambitious Net Zero targets looming, the focus on decarbonising our building stock has never been more acute. While much attention has been


given to new buildings, the fact remains that 80% of the buildings that will exist in 2050 have already been built. This makes the retrofit and fit-out of existing structures a critical battleground in the fight against climate change. The built environment accounts for


approximately 40% of the UK’s carbon footprint, with existing buildings representing the lion’s share of this figure. As organisations face increasing pressure from stakeholders, regulators and their own environmental commitments, tackling carbon in existing facilities has become an urgent priority.


The carbon footprint of a building encompasses both embodied carbon (the emissions associated with materials and construction processes) and operational carbon from day-to-day energy use. Addressing both effectively requires a methodical approach and a comprehensive understanding of the building’s performance, and this is where a structured process delivered by a multi-disciplinary team can offer significant advantages.


A five-step approach to carbon reduction


reconcile energy modelling with collected data ensures accuracy in predicting improvements. Whole life carbon assessments should be incorporated at this stage, addressing both embodied carbon and operational energy modelling. This should help to identify solutions which don’t simply shift the carbon burden from one area to another.


3. Invest While not providing financial advice, contractors with carbon expertise can navigate the landscape of available funding mechanisms. These might include the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), Low Carbon Skills Fund (LCSF) and Heat Decarbonisation Fund in Scotland, among others. Some innovative funding approaches, such as Recycling Funds where loans are paid back through energy savings, can also make carbon reduction projects more financially viable.


4. Install


The installation phase is where designs are turned into reality. This stage benefits enormously from having capabilities across multiple disciplines, as it will ensure the original carbon reduction intent is preserved throughout the fit-out’s execution. Particularly in complex projects, the transition


from design to installation can introduce compromises if not carefully managed. This is where a cohesive team using the same platforms and processes can maintain the integrity of the carbon strategy from start to finish.


maintaining negative pressure environments to prevent cross-contamination. Extensive coordination with facility maintenance teams becomes essential for this to work.


The benefits of early engagement and multi-disciplinary teams


Early contractor involvement consistently leads to better outcomes and greater cost certainty. By identifying potential issues before they become problems, the project timeline can be maintained and disruption minimised. At the same time, this approach enables more accurate cost estimation through proper estimating teams rather than relying on simplistic square metre rates.


A multi-disciplinary partner can also offer


reduced risk through single-point accountability. When all teams operate with the same agenda and on the same platforms, information sharing becomes seamless. This integration is particularly valuable in complex projects where different specialties must coordinate closely. The ‘golden thread’ of information, a concept emphasised in the Building Safety Act, becomes easier to maintain when a single organisation manages the full process. This continuity ensures that vital information about building systems and carbon reduction measures isn’t lost between project phases or through handovers between multiple parties.


Meanwhile, consider the value that a combination of sector-specific knowledge and carbon expertise can deliver. Understanding the unique requirements of education, healthcare, defence or commercial environments allows for solutions that are practical and effective rather than generic. Doing so will increase the likelihood of providing measurable carbon reductions while ensuring spaces remain functional and supportive of their primary purpose. Competing demands for limited capital budgets make this targeted approach essential. Rather than pursuing ‘badge hunting’ with generic certifications, the most effective carbon reduction strategies focus on client-specific objectives and priorities. Creating carbon-efficient spaces ultimately


requires balancing technical requirements with human needs. The best projects apply analytical thinking alongside pragmatic approaches, focusing on solutions that work in the real world rather than just on paper. The most successful outcomes seamlessly integrate carbon reduction with improved functionality – ultimately, this leads to environments that are not only more sustainable but better serve the people who use them.


www.crbnsolutions.co.uk BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER SEPTEMBER 2025 35


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50