When the conversation turns to sustainability in the built environment, attention often centres on structure, façade, and finishes. Yet some of the most significant carbon impacts lie out of sight, in the technical systems that keep buildings running. MEP embodied carbon. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) services, plant replacement, and exposed systems are essential to workplace function, but they carry a hidden carbon cost that cannot be ignored.
The built environment has a sustainability problem, and it’s not just about new builds. Every time a refurbished office is stripped out again to meet shifting market trends, we lose more than just time and money, there’s also a significant environmental cost.
With legislation tightening and demand for sustainable buildings rising, decarbonisation in construction has quickly shifted from an ambition to a necessity. In the UK, existing non-domestic buildings are responsible for almost 6% of total carbon emissions. Given that 80% of the buildings that will be in use in 2050 already exist, retrofitting is critical to achieving national net-zero goals.
An office should never feel anonymous. It should feel like yours, shaped by who you are, how your team works, and what your business stands for. A Cat B fit out is where that begins.
In the quest to decarbonise the built environment, the construction industry faces a pivotal choice: build new or refurbish existing structures. While new builds often promise modern aesthetics and energy efficiency, the environmental cost, particularly in terms of embodied carbon, is substantial. Refurbishment emerges as a compelling alternative, offering significant carbon savings and aligning with sustainable development goals.
Circular construction on live sites often raises questions: Can reuse and recycling be scaled effectively without adding complexity or cost? At Rochester Row in March 2025, the answer was yes, demonstrated by audited results across timber, concrete, glass, and brick.
For the second year running, Ambit returned to FOOTPRINT+, joining a panel to explore the carbon-conscious transformation of The Waterman, a complex retrofit scheme in the heart of Farringdon.
This month’s Sustainable Spaces highlights three innovative ideas driving sustainable design and construction. Each innovation offers a unique approach to minimising environmental impact while maximising durability and performance.
