Launchpad, a new innovation centre in the city of Southend on Sea, has officially achieved an outstanding BREEAM status, a mark of the best in sustainable design and construction. It is the flagship building in the new Airport Business Park supporting local ambitions and the economy through an innovative business centre.
BREEAM stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method and is a framework that measures the environmental impact of a building with the main aim of helping to reduce the negative impacts of building projects on the environment.
Georgina Roffey, Launchpad’s centre manager, said: “Launchpad lives and breathes innovation – from the building we’re in through to the customers we support. The commitment to reducing the impact this building has on the environment is reflected in what a lovely space it is to be in. We’re very proud to have a five-star BREEAM rating but we’re also very lucky to work in such a fantastic building. From light and airy collaborative spaces throughout the building to the bat boxes on the roof so much thought has gone into making sure Launchpad has a positive impact on flourishing businesses and the environment.”
The BREEAM framework is a voluntary but rigorous assessment of all stages of a build project from preparation and design, all the way through to construction and use. The assessment considers a wide range of key thresholds and targets, like CO2 emissions, land use and ecology, and even health and wellbeing through factors like noise, light and air quality.
Alan Richards, interim executive director for growth and housing at Southend-on-Sea City Council, said: “Putting environmental credentials at the heart of this building was always a key priority, and so we are all very proud to see it awarded BREEAM status. This is the gold standard and it is great this has been achieved. This confirms that not only is Launchpad a great space to grow a thriving business, but it also has environmental sustainability at its core.”
The BREEAM award is open-ended unless there are major changes to the building. Growing businesses focused on innovation, including new technology, products or services, can register their interest in being at the heart of this exciting collaborative, supportive workspace by emailing info@launchpadsouthend.co.uk or visiting www.launchpadsouthend.co.uk for more.
