The Challenge
JLR's Advanced Propulsion Creation Centre is spread over 4 million m², equivalent to almost 480 football pitches. It is designed to encourage collaboration throughout the entire vehicle development process. More 2 than 50,000m of new built space for 3,500 staff accommodates the Jaguar Design Studio, offices, a sitewide restaurant, a 400-seat multipurpose hall, visitor building and other amenities.
Jaguar Land Rover has integrated sustainability into this innovative centre. JLR has taken several initiatives to make the space green. The timber roof, Europe's largest, reduces embodied carbon whilst use of natural light through façade glazing and extensive roof lights contributes to wellbeing and productivity. Naturally ventilated “streets”, solar PV and LED lighting enhance energy efficiency and performance with workplace design standards supporting wellbeing and access to nature.
The Solution
As part of enabling works, an extensive protected species translocation and mitigation strategy was prepared, moving animals from the construction area to a receptor site within the adjacent Proving Ground test track.
The construction of the
Gaydon Nature Area 3 reused 80,000m3 of soil excavated from the development site
and now supports important pollinator species, such as bees and butterflies, as well as providing a natural screen between the neighbouring village and the JLR site.
The Gaydon Proving Ground 4x4 track already supports national priority butterfly species, such as the Small Blue, Grizzled Skipper and Dingy Skipper. Habitat management is conducted in accordance with a long-term management plan to increase the amount of its sole foodplant, Kidney Vetch.
The new lake, whilst principally to help manage water run-off, provides additional benefits or “ecosystem services” such as biodiversity and recreation. These contributions together have been recognised by the national regulators, DEFRA and Natural England.
The building's sustainability credentials also support in reducing the impact on the climate. Materials used to construct the building such as the Gulam wooden beams and other timber in the roof supports have been responsibly sourced and reduce embodied carbon. All of the building's electricity comes from renewable sources, one-fifth of which is generated onsite through roof-mounted PV solar panels. Façade glazing, solar shading and natural ventilation in “street” areas further reduces energy demand and overall operational carbon footprint.
Low-use fittings have been specified throughout the building to reduce water use. “The Lake” provides a huge rainwater attenuation system, reducing water run-off rates to the surrounding countryside to less than predevelopment
JLR's Health and Wellbeing principles are supported through the provision of cafes, franchises and staff welfare areas. “Hub” spaces form part of the working environment where people can meet to discuss ideas away from their desks. A central courtyard brings light deep into the building and provides a view of the nature outside.
The Result
On track to achieve the BREEAM “Excellent” rating, putting it in the top 10% of UK’s new non-domestic buildings showing environmental best practice
Over 5 hectare of new landscaping and over 700 new trees planted. The scheme has created “The Park” and “The Lake” enhancing the wellbeing and experience for visitors and employees alike
25% biodiversity net gain – creation of new habitat and green space
Over 850 great crested newts, 2,000 other amphibians and several grass snakes translocated onsite
80,000m3 of soil reused to create the Gaydon Nature Area and avoided costly transportation movements and waste disposal
All timber and timber-based products used on the project are sourced from 'legally harvested and traded timber' and certified in accordance with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC)