BREEAM certification is awarded on a scale that reflects the level of environmental performance achieved by buildings. BREEAM Outstanding, with a minimum score of 85%, is the highest rating achievable. The BREEAM Outstanding rating also puts these buildings in the top 1% of BREEAM assessed Industrial buildings within the UK.

Magna Park Corby Unit 2

Unit 2, was completed in November 2023 and provides 659,000 sq ft of warehouse space to Top Hat; a leader in state-of-the-art home manufacturing. As part of the development and build process, Circular Ecology was commissioned to undertake a whole-life embodied carbon assessment of the building. The development achieved a total whole-life carbon reduction of 12,652 tonnes CO2e. The total emissions saved at the site was revealed to be equivalent to 29,325 flights from London to New York.

Magna Park Corby Unit 3

Unit 3 provides 586,353 ft of prime logistics space and was completed in February 2024. This unit achieved a whole-life carbon reduction of 10,998 tonnes CO2e. The embodied carbon saving was 7,482 tonnes CO2e and operational carbon 3,515 tonnes CO2e, over a 30-year period.

In conclusion, to achieve the BREEAM outstanding certification level there were several key focuses during the build which included 100% rainwater harvesting systems, low zero carbon technology, integrating air source heat pumps throughout and the use of solar thermal systems on the roof of the buildings. The building also received additional credits through wider estate amenities such as outdoor seating and new bus stops being negotiated with the local transport authorities.

Stuart Deverill, divisional managing director for VolkerFitzpatrick, said: “Due to our collaborative relationship with GLP to deliver these facilities at Magna Park Corby we were able to push the boundaries to achieve environmental excellence, so it’s fantastic to see it being recognised with an Outstanding BREEAM certification. The specialist preconstruction advice, excellent teamwork and efficient methods of working have ensured the projects have been delivered with sustainability embedded as a priority throughout.”

Peter Baird, Senior Construction Manager at GLP commented: “GLP buildings stand out in our market for their sustainable design and efficient solutions, especially in terms of energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. We are very proud of what we have achieved at Magna Park Corby site. Reaching BREEAM Outstanding is an excellent stamp of approval for us a firm and indication of our ongoing commitment to sustainable development of logistics assets in the UK and beyond.”  

During the construction of the project, VolkerFitzpatrick also successfully reduced fuel wastage by a third (34%). This remarkable achievement was made possible through the installation of a trial of fuel monitoring systems. This also resulted in considerable savings in costs and reductions in carbon emissions and usage recommendations have been shared across other divisions within the VolkerFitzpatrick business portfolio.