CBRE Investment Management (CBRE IM) has completed the transformation of Solar120, Europa Boulevard, Warrington. The refurbishment included the incorporation of several initiatives that focused on renewable energy and zero emissions in both build and future operations in addition to wellness features.
The building was officially opened by the Mayor of Warrington and Robert Swan OBE, the first person to walk to both the north and the south poles.
The 11,196m2 warehouse/production facility, with 836m2 of office accommodation, has a BREEAM rating of Excellent, one of the first BREEAM Excellent refurbished industrial buildings.
The refurbishment has incorporated several initiatives that have focused on ESG including onsite renewable energy, wellness initiatives, and certification. Throughout the refurbishment, the aim was to retain and reuse as much of the existing property to minimise the embodied carbon within the existing facility and the works required.
At acquisition, the building was emitting 435,342kg of carbon dioxide per annum, but post refurbishment and in operation, the building is projected1 to emit zero kg of carbon dioxide per annum. This reduction in carbon emissions has been achieved by retrofitting the building with heat pumps, LED lighting, the removal of gas supplies, and through a large amount of on-site, sustainable energy generation.
The building’s name stems from the 85% photovoltaics (PV) coverage that has been installed on the building’s roof. This solar array installation will supply up to 670K KWH of renewable and sustainable energy to any incoming tenant, and the energy supplied generates a carbon saving of 130 tonnes per annum over the grid and 3,250 tonnes of CO2 over the 25-year design life.
Wellness has also been considered throughout the refurbishment, with a multi-use games area, petanque, and an amenity block with showers and changing rooms now installed. The landscaping incorporates new fruit trees, garden seating, walking areas, and wildflowers to support the local ecosystem.
Rob Trevor, Head of Asset Management Logistics UK commented: “We are very proud of the refurbishment of this logistics warehouse. The standards set were very high to ensure we delivered a high-performing, sustainable building that had a positive environmental and social impact. I am delighted that this has been achieved at Solar120. We have created a building fit for the future and that meets the requirements of the modern-day occupier.”
The facility has 10 dock loading doors, two level access loading doors, 18 HGV parking spaces, and 88 car parking spaces. It is located between junctions 8 and 9 of the M62, within one of the North’s most established business parks, and is well served by road, rail, and air.
