‘Carbon neutral’ and ‘net zero carbon’ are familiar terms, but what do they really mean in the construction, use and lifecycle of new industrial and commercial buildings? 

It is important that developers lead change in our industry in a responsible way so that we contribute towards Scotland’s climate change legislation with a target date for net-zero emissions of all greenhouse gases by 2045.

I am an advocate of the excellent work done by Smart Sustainable East Kilbride https://www.linkedin.com/company/smart-sustainable-east-kilbride/ and recognise the importance of working with our clients on the smart design of our buildings to showcase how low carbon can be achieved on industrial developments.

Langlands Gate Campus
Launched in early 2020, our development at Langlands Gate Campus is a multi-let scheme with plans to provide up to seven new modular, flexible, business / industrial / warehouse units at Langlands Business Park, East Kilbride.

As a result of our focus on occupier wellbeing and building environmental performance, our first phase (of 3) at Langlands Gate Campus has achieved an excellent sustainability rating with an ‘ A’ EPC ratings, boosting market appeal.

Occupier interest in sustainability credentials is only likely to increase, as awareness about the impacts of climate change continues to grow and industry practices change, with more companies advancing towards net zero.

Occupier wellbeing is also a key feature and the location benefits from:

• Views of green space, looking over a nature reserve in one direction and adjacent to a golf course in another
• Secure gated campus
• High-performance windows and doors for natural light indoors
• Covered cycle spaces to encourage active commutes
• Access to adjacent nature trails

Advancing towards net zero carbon
Langlands Gate Campus has provided a pathfinder project for GMD Properties Ltd’s net zero strategy and has enhanced the company’s low carbon credentials. 

A building of this type built to current building regulations in 2021 would have an anticipated building energy performance rating of B+ (18).
However, by working in partnership with the new occupier of 4a Langlands Gate, Kone Cranes Demag UK Ltd and their property advisers, Vail Williams, we have successfully built and fitted the property to their requirements achieving an ‘A’ rating EPC (10).

This was achieved by including the following energy efficient features:

• High-performance insulation on externally clad walls, cavity walls, roof and sectional doors
• Double and energy efficient glazing
• Smart LED lighting throughout
• Air source heat pumps operating a wet multi-zone central heating system
• Charging points for electric vehicles

Sustainability credentials
We know that we can do more on the next phases of our development with ‘A’+ (-5) Carbon Neutral possible. We have identified that in addition to the above features, the following will achieve this excellent outcome

• Solar control measures on all glazing (reflective coating / shading)
• Install PV

Availability
We have just released a new building at 6a/b Langlands Gate.

We have secured Planning Consent and Building Warrant and the new building to complete phase 2 will be available To Let to the right tenant with covenant in early 2022

• Industrial unit with internal floor space of 3,600 sq ft (Class 4, 5, 6)
• Space to add a 1st floor with double glazed windows already in place
• Clients can fit the unit out to their specific requirements and we can also offer a design and build service to your exact requirements (please note that our properties are not for sale)

Other clients have successfully added office; meeting and welfare space to complement their warehouse; workshop and storage space in our identical, existing buildings at the site.

We also have two further buildings in planning (phase 3; 2022/23).

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact me graham@gmdproperties.com

Graham Divers
GMD Properties Ltd