The JJ Mack officially recognised as the UK’s highest rated BREEAM Office Building

The JJ Mack Building scored an unprecedented 96.42% in its BREEAM assessment, not only giving it a rating of Outstanding but making it the most sustainable building in the UK with no other building achieving a higher score.

The JJ Mack Building is an example of the very best in sustainability, wellness and smart building features. Both in construction and in use it is leading the way in what is achievable in terms of minimising carbon emissions. In 2018 it became the UK’s first building to be assessed as BREEAM Outstanding at the design stage and following completion, The JJ Mack Building was awarded final BREEAM certification receiving Outstanding status and a score of 96.4% making it the highest rated building in the UK under the 2018 guidelines.

This is truly an endorsement of the detailed work and dedicated approach to sustainability undertaken during the building’s design. This impressive rating is verified by independent assessor BRE Global, in accordance with BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology), the world’s leading design and assessment method for sustainable buildings.

Laura Beaumont, Helical’s Head of Sustainability, said: “We are delighted that The JJ Mack Building has received a final BREEAM certification rating of Outstanding with a score of 96.4%, furthermore the building holds the accolade of being the highest scored of any major office development. This impressive result supports our continued commitment to drive sustainability forward on all our developments and demonstrates what is possible when ESG is embedded from the outset. The key driver of this achievement was having an engaged design team, including Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands and Long & Partners, who brought their own passion for sustainability to realise the ambitions of the project.”

Hannah O'Brien, L&P Group's Sustainability Consultant, said: “It was a privilege to work alongside Helical and the design team, from concept through to completion, to achieve the final BREEAM New Construction 2018 certification for The JJ Mack Building. We are thrilled to see the dedication and commitment of the entire project team culminate in an Outstanding rating. This accomplishment underscores the teams’ collective efforts and the Client’s innovative drive towards sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Helical’s sustainability policies sat at the heart of the design, providing the flexibility to maximise the sustainability opportunities beyond the baseline requirements. This approach facilitated the successful integration of innovative biodiversity, water systems and smart technology, enhancing the sustainable identity of the building. Helical’s continuous engagement throughout the process was pivotal to the project's success, demonstrating their dedication to sustainable design. 

As a sustainability driven practice, L&P Group thrived in response to this commitment, transforming the design principles into a tangible strategy and providing a clear roadmap for the project team to deliver throughout the construction phase. We commend everyone involved for their commitment to creating a built environment that prioritises environmental performance and occupant well-being, setting a benchmark of future developments.”