Sustainable start-up units, Brighton
Westergate Business Centre is a regeneration scheme carried out for Brighton & Hove City Council, comprising nearly 2000m² of light industrial space providing 90 new jobs. Its design was based upon strong environmental principles, from its low energy credentials to the promotion of biodiversity. The project was a green exemplar for the council, built upon their commitment to sustainability and served as a pilot project for the South East England Development Agency ‘Sustainability Checklist’.
The project consists of nine work units all finished to shell + core, with one unit being fully fitted out. Its specification features sustainable and de-mountable materials including lime mortar, locally sourced bricks, recycled paper insulation, a timber structure and aluminium roofing having a 50% recycled content. Wherever possible, demolition materials were reused or recycled with only 4% going to landfill. Renewable energy features include a wind turbine (the first in Brighton), solar domestic water heating, ground source space heating, sun pipes and natural ventilation. Features promoting biodiversity include green walls and boxes for bird and mammal species. These features collectively earned the building a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating
