Last month saw completion of the final phase of a remarkable low-carbon refurbishment project – the result of a close partnership between the Carbon Trust, Hampshire county council and its design and engineering team.
The last tranche of council workers have moved into the newly renamed Elizabeth II Court – a refurbished building now comprising 13,000sq m of office space in the centre of Winchester – after a low-carbon makeover that was planned back in 2004.
The statistics look impressive – a 50% cut in energy use, a 30% saving in occupied office space, a new external brick façade, a pioneering natural ventilation system and "intelligent" lighting. The new open plan offices mean a 70% increase in staff capacity and a rise in permanent workstations from 600 to 800 which can take1,100 staff on flexible working patterns. And all this has been completed on time and to budget … in short, a modern, sustainable office environment, a satisfied workforce and a building that allows the council to rid itself of expensive leasehold accommodation.
Source: Building a better future