One Angel Square was more than just a beautiful structure; it was a pioneer in energy efficiency, destined to become a symbol of sustainable construction.
The journey towards energy efficiency began with careful planning and meticulous design. The architects and engineers behind One Angel Square were determined to create a building that would minimize its impact on the environment.
They incorporated passive design principles, ensuring optimal sunlight exposure and natural ventilation throughout the structure.
Outlook One Angel Square
With a total floor area of 328,000 square feet (30,470 square meters), One Angel Square was designed to accommodate approximately 3,000 occupants. The building's energy performance was outstanding, achieving an impressive BREEAM "Outstanding" rating with a score of 92. The BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) certification is a globally recognized standard for sustainable buildings.
From its very foundation, One Angel Square was built with the future in mind. The construction materials were carefully selected to maximize insulation and reduce heat transfer. The walls were constructed using high-performance materials, achieving an insulation value of 30% better than the Building Regulations require.
To generate clean electricity, the rooftop of One Angel Square was adorned with over 4,000 photovoltaic solar panels. These solar panels had a combined capacity of 804 kilowatts, generating approximately 700,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. This clean energy source significantly reduced the building's carbon footprint and reliance on the grid.
Inside One Angel Square, a state-of-the-art heating and cooling system was installed. The ground-source heat pump utilized the earth's natural temperature to efficiently regulate the building's climate. The system comprised 216 boreholes, each reaching a depth of 600 feet (183 meters), and provided both heating and cooling throughout the year.
Water conservation was another crucial aspect of One Angel Square's energy efficiency journey. The building featured rainwater harvesting techniques, with a capacity to collect and store up to 1.2 million liters of rainwater annually. This harvested water was used for toilet flushing and irrigation, reducing the demand for potable water.
As One Angel Square began to take shape, its green roof became a beacon of environmental consciousness. The rooftop garden covered an area of 16,000 square feet (1,486 square meters) and featured a diverse range of plant species. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the green roof acted as a natural insulator, reducing heat gain and improving the building's overall energy efficiency.
Upon completion, One Angel Square stood as a testament to the power of energy-efficient design. It consumed approximately 60% less energy compared to similar-sized buildings, resulting in an annual reduction of 3,300 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. The building also achieved a 40% reduction in water consumption, showcasing its commitment to sustainable practices.
The success of One Angel Square prompted other buildings in Manchester and beyond to follow suit. Sustainable construction practices became the norm, as developers realized the immense potential of energy efficiency in creating a greener and more sustainable future.
Conclusion One Angel Square
Through its journey towards energy efficiency, One Angel Square proved that sustainable design is not just an idealistic notion but an achievable reality.
It demonstrated that buildings can be both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally conscious, setting a new standard for the construction industry.
As the years went by, One Angel Square remained a shining example of what can be achieved when innovative minds and a commitment to sustainability come together. It continued to inspire change and pave the way for a more energy-efficient and sustainable world, one building at a time.