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GSK Centre for Sustainable Chemistry

Delivering sustainability excellence: the GlaxoSmithKline Carbon Neutral Laboratories for Sustainable Chemistry

Education​
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Achieving Net Zero Carbon in operation and BREEAM Outstanding with innovative project management solutions.

Gleeds provided full project management and employer’s agent services for the construction of the GlaxoSmithKline Carbon Neutral Laboratories for Sustainable Chemistry at the University of Nottingham. Despite facing challenges such as a catastrophic fire and evolving project scope, Gleeds successfully delivered a state-of-the-art facility achieving Net Zero Carbon in operation and BREEAM Outstanding accreditation.

The GlaxoSmithKline Carbon Neutral Laboratories project presented several significant challenges. Firstly, the project suffered a destructive fire partway through the programme, leading to significant delays and requiring a comprehensive rectification programme. Secondly, achieving carbon neutrality and BREEAM Outstanding accreditation demanded meticulous attention to detail and innovative solutions. Lastly, managing multiple funding streams and stakeholder requirements added complexity to the project delivery process.

Project Statistics

£ 21.6

m

·       Value

4,500

sqm

Building over two floors

Programme: March 2012 - November 2016

Results

Lab space

For 150 researchers, teaching laboratories, offices, and outreach space

Generated excess energy

Contributes to heating nearby office developments

BREEAM

Outstanding

LEED

Platinum status

The challenge

To address these challenges, Gleeds implemented a comprehensive project management approach. This included full team coordination and management of the design team to ensure alignment with sustainability objectives.

Gleeds provided procurement advice and managed the two-stage tendering process under public procurement regulations, facilitating competitive tendering while ensuring value for money.

Change management processes were established to address evolving project scope, and handover activities were meticulously coordinated based on Soft Landings processes.

The solution

A key aspect of Gleeds' solution was close collaboration with the University of Nottingham to capture and address project requirements. This involved distributing a detailed Project Execution Plan to the entire project team and facilitating briefing workshops to ensure alignment on design, programme, and roles and responsibilities. Gleeds worked closely with the University to achieve carbon neutrality goals, supporting the design team and ensuring key milestones were met according to the programme.

Despite the challenges faced, the GlaxoSmithKline Carbon Neutral Laboratories project achieved remarkable success. The completed facility is a testament to sustainability, achieving Net Zero Carbon in operation and a targeted overall construction Net Zero with a 25 year pay back which resulted in BREEAM Outstanding and LEED Platinum status.

The building’s design is estimated to achieve an annual operating cost saving of around £95,000. Of this, approximately £22,000 is from the Low/Zero Carbon (LZCs); the remainder is from the other energy savings. Indeed, excess energy generated by the building provides carbon credits over 25 years, contributing to heating nearby office developments.

The future

The project received significant recognition, winning Building Magazine’s Sustainability Project of the Year award in 2017. Additionally, Gleeds facilitated a £12 million grant from GlaxoSmithKline, demonstrating the project's alignment with industry commitments to ‘green chemistry’.

The GlaxoSmithKline Carbon Neutral Laboratories set a new standard for sustainability in university projects. Gleeds looks forward to continuing to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions for future projects, driving reductions in embodied carbon and minimising environmental impacts.

By leveraging lessons learned from this project, Gleeds aims to further enhance its capabilities in delivering complex, sustainability-led projects for its clients.

Gleeds is proud to have led the delivery of the GlaxoSmithKline Carbon Neutral Laboratories, setting a new standard for sustainability in university projects. Our innovative project management solutions ensured the successful completion of a state-of-the-art facility that will drive sustainable scientific advances for years to come.

Paul Thompson
Project Director, Gleeds

This is bigger than just a building – it’s a whole philosophy. It’s the way that we will process and deliver the science, and the way that we will target our science to sustainability-driven challenges.

Peter Licence
Centre Director, University of Nottingham
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