Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have in commercial development. It is now expected, required, and increasingly regulated. Certifications like BER, LEED and BREEAM are important indicators, but the real measure of sustainability lies in how a building performs and evolves over time.

At Clancourt, sustainability is not a feature we add. It is embedded in how we approach every project. Our mission is to deliver exceptional commercial workspace solutions with a strong focus on quality, sustainability, and long-term partnerships. This commitment shapes not only what we build, but how we manage and improve it across its lifetime.

1. Considering the Full Building Lifecycle

Sustainability begins well before a building is occupied. At Clancourt, we approach each development with long-term performance in mind. Material selection, construction techniques, adaptability, maintenance planning and eventual upgrades all form part of the conversation from day one.

This mindset has shaped many of our decisions across the portfolio. The Park Place Vaults, for example, were once disused railway infrastructure. Today, they function as vibrant, energy-efficient amenity spaces that support the daily needs of occupants. At One and Two Park Place, we have carried out extensive upgrades, including enhanced end-of-journey facilities and future improvements to shared spaces like atriums and landscaped areas. These investments reflect our view that buildings must remain adaptable and relevant, year after year.

2. Prioritising Occupant Wellbeing Alongside Performance

A high-performing building should also be a healthy and enjoyable place to work. At Clancourt, we focus on creating environments that support the people using them every day. That includes improving air quality, increasing access to natural light, incorporating flexible layouts and adding wellness-focused features.

As workplaces need to evolve, so do our buildings. We have introduced quiet zones, upgraded lighting systems and installed electric vehicle charging points to support greener commuting. At One Park Place, we added heat pump-powered showers and modernised facilities to provide a better occupant experience. These kinds of updates are part of our ongoing commitment to building lasting partnerships with clients by responding to their real-world needs.

3. Addressing Embodied Carbon and Material Choice

While operational efficiency often gets the spotlight, we also place strong emphasis on reducing the carbon impact associated with construction itself. This includes the energy involved in sourcing, transporting and installing building materials.

We focus on using materials that perform well over time, with lower environmental impact and minimal need for early replacement. Working with trusted suppliers, we select finishes and systems that combine durability with responsible sourcing. In our view, sustainability and quality are aligned goals. Investing in resilient materials is not only better for the environment, but also for the longevity and performance of the building.

4. Treating Buildings as Evolving Assets

Buildings are not static. To remain relevant and compliant with emerging regulations, they must adapt. We take a proactive approach to asset management, continually assessing how each space can operate more efficiently and offer a better experience to occupants.

Across the Park Place campus and other properties, we are implementing smart controls, enhancing insulation performance and introducing more responsive energy management systems. These improvements are not done in isolation. They are part of an ongoing strategy to ensure every Clancourt building continues to perform well into the future.

5. Making Sustainable Choices Intuitive for Occupants

Sustainability works best when it fits effortlessly into daily routines. That is why we design our buildings to make better choices easily. Secure bike storage, intuitive waste systems, energy-efficient lighting, rainwater harvesting and real-time monitoring are just some of the features integrated into our buildings.

These systems are not designed to be noticed. They are designed to work quietly in the background, helping occupants reduce their environmental impact without disruption or added effort.

Built for More Than a Plaque

For Clancourt, sustainability is not about chasing ratings. It is about creating buildings that deliver long-term value, support the needs of our clients, and contribute positively to the urban environment.

The adaptive reuse of the Park Place Vaults, the evolution of One and Two Park Place, and the future-ready systems throughout our properties all reflect this philosophy. These are not just projects that meet today’s standards. They are part of a long-term commitment to quality and performance.

A truly sustainable building is not defined by what is written on the wall. It is defined by how it works for the people inside it and the city around it, for many years to come.

Beyond the Plaque: What Truly Sustainable Offices Are Built On