WWe’re proud to announce the opening of our new Belfast office, a milestone that marks the next phase of growth for Wallace Whittle in Northern Ireland. 

Led by Location Director Gavin McCausland, the Belfast team is targeting a 50% increase in turnover this year, backed by plans to expand the local team and deepen our presence in the region and beyond. With MEP designed in-house by our own engineers, the new space reflects our commitment to excellence and showcases the same brand identity, investment and quality standards seen across our offices throughout the UK.

The relocation sees our team move from South Belfast to a new home at The Potthouse, 1 Hill Street, right in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. Known for its creative energy, historic charm, and lively mix of culture and commerce, the area provides the perfect backdrop for our growing team. Surrounded by restaurants, bars, and close to iconic venues like The Merchant Hotel and Duke of York pub, the new office offers a central base for both staff and clients. 

Project Focused

Location Director Gavin McCausland highlights that the Belfast team is actively delivering projects not only across Northern Ireland but throughout the UK, supported by a strong pipeline of upcoming work and the need to expand the team to meet growing demand. You can explore more of our standout projects here. 

Recent highlights include the £20M New Build Driver & Vehicle Test Centre and DVA Headquarters in Belfast, and ‘The Edge’ which is a a £23M Purpose-Built Student Accommodation scheme located near Ulster University in Belfast, which sets a new benchmark for sustainable student living in the city. 

“We have a fantastic team here in Belfast that I’m incredibly proud of. As we continue to secure more work, we’re focused on growing the team to match demand. We’re fortunate to have a strong base of repeat clients, alongside exciting new partnerships that are helping to shape our pipeline.” Gavin shared 

While rooted in Northern Ireland, the Belfast team’s reach is much wider, contributing to high-profile developments from London to Wolverhampton, across sectors including education, commercial, residential, PBSA and public realm.

“The strength of our work in Northern Ireland has opened doors across the UK. We’re taking on a diverse mix of projects, and that’s creating opportunities for our team to develop across multiple disciplines.” Gavin added

Inside the Design

The new office space was selected not only for its prime central location but also for its alignment with our sustainability & ESG values. We designed the MEP in-house at Wallace Whittle, working with the wider design team of Form Design Consultants (Architect), Deluxe Group (Fit-Out) and Stothers (M&E Contractors). The Belfast fit-out reflects the same design vision and technical standards seen across all Wallace Whittle offices in the UK.  

As an all-electric workplace, the office is equipped with roof-mounted PV and ASHPs, with new glazing improving thermal insulation. To further enhance efficiency, the space is equipped with presence and absence detection for lighting, ensuring that energy is used only when needed. Additionally, it features high-efficiency LED lighting throughout, contributing to its sustainable energy use. These measures are not only environmentally responsible but also designed to reduce operational carbon and support our own wider Net Zero goals.

Staff wellbeing was also a key focus of the design. The office includes real-time air quality monitoring, helping to create a healthier, more productive working environment. This aligns with our internal commitment to ESG, as well as the best practices we recommend to our clients. 

“With the expansion of our ESG and Sustainability teams, we felt it was essential that our Belfast office exemplifies the principles we advocate. We’re proud of the result and excited to be in this new space.” Gavin shared.

On a more social and day-to-day level, the new office has been equipped to enhance our staff’s experience. From a top-of-the-range Nespresso coffee machine and a fully stocked drinks fridge to a soundproof phone booth and private meeting spaces, every detail supports comfort and functionality. 

The workspace also features large, curved monitors to boost productivity and support visualisation in design work, while hot-desking options encourage flexibility and collaboration across the team. 

Our Team

While the new Belfast office reflects our technical expertise and design-led thinking, it’s also a clear marker of our ambitions for growth. Under the leadership of Gavin, the team is entering an exciting new phase, with plans to double headcount and increase local turnover by 50% this year. 

From a strong foundation of nine talented professionals, we’re now looking to grow to a team of 20, creating opportunities for both emerging and experienced engineers to join a fast-paced, multi-sector consultancy environment. 

With a growing pipeline of diverse projects, a newly designed sustainable workspace, and ambitious plans to expand the team, our Belfast office is well positioned for the future. 

Whether you’re a potential collaborator, client, or future team member, now is the perfect time to connect with our Belfast team. 

Interested in working with us or learning more about what we do? Get in touch with Gavin at [email protected] 

Belfast Job Openings  

From landmark student housing schemes to cutting-edge learning environments, our Belfast team continues to design with purpose and precision. 

WWith exciting developments ahead for our Belfast office, we took the opportunity to catch up with Gavin McCausland, Director of our Belfast team, to discuss some of the standout projects the office has delivered over the years.  

Having been part of the Northern Ireland landscape for nearly 15 years, and with Gavin at the helm for almost 9, the team has been behind a diverse range of projects across various sectors. These projects, both locally in Northern Ireland and further afield, reflect our commitment to quality and excellence. As we continue to grow and deliver high-quality projects, the Belfast office remains dedicated to upholding the highest standards in all we do. 

Education

Education has always been a cornerstone of our work at Wallace, and our Belfast office is no different. Over the past few years, we’ve had the privilege of contributing to some incredible schools and campuses, including award-winning projects and major universities. More often than not, the education projects we work on also double as community hubs, meaning cross-disciplinary and community engagement are pivotal.  

“Modern classrooms and learning spaces now demand more, from integrated technology to adaptable and futureproof designs. Our team knows how to work closely with educators to translate their vision into a practical and effective design.” shared Gavin 

Public Realm

We view the public realm as the vital link between people and place, a setting for everyday life that fosters connection and community. From city centres to rural towns, our work spans a wide range of scales and locations, reflecting the diverse needs of the communities we serve. We take pride in designing spaces that are welcoming and efficient. 

Collaboration is central to our approach, we work closely with stakeholders, urban designers, and local authorities. We have delivered public spaces that are inclusive, resilient, and rooted in the unique character of each place. 

“Designing public realm spaces is about creating environments that invite people in and make them want to stay. We approach each project with a focus on place-making, ensuring that every detail supports the needs of the community and encourages connection.” 

Commercial 

Our Belfast office continues to deliver excellence across a range of commercial developments; our teams recognise that the building services systems play a fundamental role in creating environments that not only meet the functional needs of businesses but also motivate employees and can contribute to a greater ethos.  

“We spend a huge part of our lives at work, so the spaces we work in really matter. In our Belfast office, we’re focused on designing building services that make offices not just efficient, but genuinely great places to be, comfortable, healthy, and adaptable to how people work.”  

PBSA

With the demand for student accommodation continuing to rise year upon year, our Belfast office continues to lead the way in delivering high-quality PBSA across the UK, combining sustainability, innovation, and modern living solutions. Our Belfast Team understands the importance of creating spaces that are not only functional and safe but also conducive to the academic and social needs of students. Modern student accommodation demands design features such as high-speed internet, air-conditioned study and communal spaces, combined with secure access.  

“For a lot of students, this is their first time living away from home, so it’s important we create spaces that feel safe, comfortable, and connected. In Belfast, we focus on designing services that support both study and social life.”  

As the demand for sustainable and modern PBSA continues to rise, the sector must embrace innovation to stay ahead of the evolving needs of future students.  

As our Belfast office continues to deliver impactful projects across the UK and Ireland, we remain focused on driving innovation and sustainability across every sector we work in.  

As we grow to support both new and ongoing projects in Belfast and beyond, we’re enhancing not only the office space (announcement coming soon!) but also expanding the team of talented professionals who share our passion for delivering exceptional work.  

If you’re looking to be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking team, we’d love to hear from you. 

WWith UKREiiF 2025 less than four weeks away, taking place from 20th to 22nd May, we caught up with our Director and Head of Residential, Craig Robertson, a seasoned attendee, to get his perspective on this year’s event. He shares what he’s looking forward to, his thoughts on the key themes, and his tips for making the most of your time in Leeds. 

Organised by the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum, the event continues to be a leading platform for industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to exchange ideas, explore emerging trends, and foster collaboration across the built environment. 

Now preparing for his third visit to UKREiiF, Craig brings a seasoned perspective on what makes the event so valuable. 

“This will be my third trip to UKREiiF in Leeds, and I genuinely enjoy the event. It’s a great opportunity to meet a wide range of people, including a few blasts from the past. Hopefully we’ll get less rain this year!”

With a packed agenda ahead, Craig is hopeful for real momentum this year, with more action being taken to address some of the UK’s biggest challenges in development. 

“I’m optimistic that we’ll see an even bigger turnout in 2025, with less talk and more tangible action across the country. There’s a growing focus on meaningful ESG, affordable housing, and the regeneration of our town and city centres. 

To really move things forward, we need stronger government support, integrating best-value sustainable performance into the planning process, delivering a more effective Building Safety Regulator framework, and unlocking development through accessible funding.”

With Wallace Whittle playing a key role in some of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration schemes, including Birmingham’s £1.9 billion Smithfield development and the multi-phase transformation at Elephant Park in London, Craig is proud to see the firm’s engineering and sustainability strategies at the forefront of shaping future-ready communities. 

These projects not only reflect the scale and complexity of the challenges facing urban regeneration today, but also the importance of long-term, performance-led thinking when it comes to sustainability, building safety, and energy efficiency. 

Reflecting on this, Craig shared: 

“Wallace Whittle is involved in some of the UK’s largest regeneration developments, working alongside our excellent clients, many of which I’m looking forward to seeing in Leeds. I’m proud of our continued efforts to deliver engineering and energy strategies that set the standard, rather than follow it.”

With UKREiiF 2025 set to bring together thousands of professionals across real estate, infrastructure, investment, and sustainability, this year’s event promises another packed agenda. From headline talks and panel debates to regional showcases and informal gatherings. For those attending, whether it’s your first time or a return visit, knowing how to navigate the three days can make all the difference. 

As someone who’s experienced it before, Craig offers some practical advice for getting the most out of your time in Leeds: 

“My top tip for getting the most out of UKREiiF is to make time for some of the excellent sessions at The Armoury, and don’t miss the fringe events hosted by friends and colleagues, they’re always worth attending, and a personal rule: hold off on the alcohol until the sun is over the yard arm! 

I’ll be the one in the blue suit and sunglasses if you happen to spot me.”

Craig will be joined in Leeds by several of our colleagues from across the business, each bringing their own expertise and focus areas to UKREiiF 2025. From sustainability and energy strategy to large-scale regeneration and infrastructure investment.  

If you’d like to meet with one of our delegates during the event, whether for a coffee, a conversation, or to explore opportunities for collaboration, feel free to reach out directly. 

You can read more about our full delegation and what they’ll be getting involved in at UKREiiF here. We look forward to seeing you in Leeds. 

WWith BREEAM Version 7 on the horizon, it brings a refreshed approach to sustainability standards across the built environment.

As part of this rollout, the new BREEAM Residential Manual is set to launch on the 16th April 2025, introducing key updates to criteria, evidence requirements, and a major revamp of how life cycle assessments and embodied carbon are handled.  

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is the world’s longest-established method of assessing, rating, and certifying the sustainability of buildings and has been a cornerstone of sustainable building certification since its inception in 1990.  Developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in the UK, BREEAM sets the standard for best practice in sustainable design, construction, and operation across a range of building types. The assessment covers key categories such as; Energy, Water, Health & Wellbeing, Materials, Waste, Pollution, Transport, Land Use & Ecology, Managment and Innovation.  

By awarding ratings, BREEAM helps developers, designers and building owners benchmark and improve environmental performance, reduce costs, and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and ESG principles. 

Launching in 2025, BREEAM Version 7 realigns BREEAM’s criteria with global best practices and net zero ambitions, placing Whole Life Carbon and energy performance at the center. 

This update further strengthens BREEAM’s role in demonstrating genuine sustainability across a building’s lifecycle, from early design to post-construction. It introduces new minimum standards, revised weightings, and a clear emphasis on reducing both operational and embodied emissions. Some of the key changes in BREEAM V7 regarding energy, carbon, and whole life cycle assessments are as follow: 

At Wallace Whittle, our growing ESG team integrates wellbeing strategies early in the design process, balancing occupant health with broader sustainability, energy performance, and building efficiency goals. 

BREEAM Version 7 signals a clear strategic pivot toward decarbonisation, circularity, and performance-based outcomes. By embedding whole life carbon across the core assessment framework, V7 is positioned to be a key enabler for delivering net zero carbon buildings in practice, and not just intent.

Early-stage modelling and robust data collection are now not only encouraged, but essential to achieving top-tier BREEAM ratings. The shift in weightings and minimum standards also raises the bar. The reconfiguration of credits emphasises BREEAM’s increasing alignment with other industry accreditations like NABERS UK, also improves the interoperability and long-term tracking of carbon performance across an asset’s lifecycle.

BREEAM Version 7 represents a step towards a more holistic and performance-based assessment of buildings, and as we approach the official launch of the new Residential Manual on 16 April 2025, now is the time to assess how your upcoming projects align with these changes. Whether you’re preparing for registration or evaluating your route to certification, our Sustainability Team at Wallace Whittle is here to help you navigate BREEAM V7

Visit the BRE website for more on BREEAM V7 

Have questions or ready to get started?  Email our Sustainability Team at [email protected] to talk through your project.  

Hosted by the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREIIF), the upcoming event stands as a pivotal platform where industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders converge to exchange insights and explore collaborative opportunities shaping the future of renewable energy and infrastructure investment.

Set amidst the vibrant heart of Leeds, from Tuesday 20th May to Thursday 22nd May, this annual gathering promises an engaging agenda. From keynote addresses to panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions, it will encourage meaningful dialogue and drive actionable outcomes within the sector. With a keen focus on the latest trends, innovations, and investment strategies, we aim to gather invaluable knowledge and forge further strategic partnerships in this evolving landscape.

Our delegates, ready to contribute their expertise and perspectives, will engage in key discussions covering sustainability, market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and emerging technologies within renewable energy and infrastructure. But it’s more than just showcasing what we know – it’s about learning, collaborating, and growing together. Whether we’re sharing insights, brainstorming solutions, or simply swapping stories over coffee, we’re eager to meet with current and new connections.

We’re looking forward to the event, eager to catch up with many of our valued clients and collaborators, and explore new opportunities.

ESG & Sustainability

Nick Hayes, Head of ESG & Sustainability – [email protected]

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn.

Sarah Chipchase, Director Sustainability – [email protected]

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn.

England

Craig Robertson, Director England and Head of Residential – [email protected]

Connect with Craig on LinkedIn.

Paul Dean, Director, Manchester – [email protected]

Connect with Paul on LinkedIn.

Darren Wright, Director, Birmingham – [email protected]

Connect with Darren on LinkedIn.

Scotland

Barry McKeane, Director Glasgow – [email protected]

Connect with Barry on LinkedIn.

Stephen Osborne, Director Edinburgh- [email protected]

Connect with Stephen on LinkedIn.

Steven Dunn, Director Scotland – [email protected]

Connect with Steven on LinkedIn. 

Last week, we witnessed a major disturbance at Heathrow Airport due to a fire at North Hyde substation, which as a result caused widespread disruption, leading to the cancellation of nearly 1,400 flights and affecting over 200,000 passengers.  

While power was restored and the airport returned to a full schedule by Sunday, the incident has triggered investigations by the government and Heathrow itself into the cause of the outage, the response, and the broader resilience of critical national infrastructure.  

A key point emerging from the immediate aftermath is the claim by National Grid’s CEO that sufficient power was available from other substations for Heathrow to remain operational, raising questions about the airport’s preparedness and decision-making during the crisis, but it also raises questions within the industry on the importance of wider resilience across sectors, from Data Centres, to education. We spoke to Stephen Phimister, Director of Engineering at Wallace Whittle, to hear his perspective on the importance of resilience. 

Despite Heathrow having multiple electricity connections and reported on-site, the fire at the North Hyde substation appears to have caused an outage of such significance the airport had to be closed. Thus highlighting a vulnerability where a single event can cripple a critical system, even with redundancy measures in place and it’s a reminder of how easily critical infrastructure can be disrupted. 

“Grid Supply Points (GSPs) play a vital role in transforming high-voltage electricity from the transmission network, typically 275kV or 132kV, down to distribution levels around 66kV or 33kV. Each GSP is generally equipped with two transformers, operating in an N+N configuration, meaning both can handle the load if one fails. A failure of a single transformer creates what is known as an N-1 condition, which the system can typically withstand. However, in the case of Heathrow, the fire not only caused the failure of the first transformer but also appears to have compromised or shut down the second transformer, resulting in an N-2 condition, complete system failure. ” Stephen explained.

Although Heathrow had backup diesel generators to maintain safety-critical systems, these were not sufficient to power the entire airport. According to Heathrow’s CEO, Thomas Woldbye, switching to the other two substations “takes time.” However, the head of National Grid indicated that these substations were operational and could have supplied enough power to keep the airport running. This discrepancy raises concerns about the speed and effectiveness of Heathrow’s electrical reconfiguration procedures and its overall preparedness for handling such emergencies. 

What Happens When the Lights Go Out?

This incident raises the issue of the importance of a stable electricity grid. With increasing reliance on the grid how could a major outage affect wider society, and how consequences of such an outage could ripple across multiple sectors. Here’s a generalised glimpse into how different parts of society could be affected: 

The impact of such disruptions extends far beyond commercial and institutional sectors, affecting everyday life in numerous ways. While diesel and internal combustion engine (ICE) buses may continue operating, electric buses are left stranded once their batteries run out, as EV charging infrastructure is rarely supported by backup generators. Major railway stations may continue to function, albeit with reduced capacity, but smaller local stations, lacking on-site power support, are likely to shut down entirely.  

What can we learn from this?

The National Grid substation fire serves as a stark reminder of how fragile critical infrastructure can be and the cascading effects of a major power failure. One key takeaway is that resilience is often only noticed when it fails. The impact of incidents on the electricity grid, or even within private premises, can impact business operations. This highlights the need to consider not just primary failures but also worst-case cascading failures in resilience planning. 

The incident also emphasises that business continuity planning cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach. Underscoring the importance of regularly reviewing and testing backup systems to ensure they function properly in a crisis, and the urgent need to strengthen the protection of critical national infrastructure. This is especially important given that Heathrow is a privately operated business and not under direct government control. 

“Accepting that Heathrow is a private operation, ultimately, the Heathrow outage is a wake-up call for governments, infrastructure providers, and businesses to consider the importance of resilience. As the complexity of modern systems grows, so does the need to build robust and adaptable infrastructure that can withstand challenges. Investing in resilience today is not just a precaution, it’s necessary for future safeguarding.”  

It would be easy to suggest that resilience is added everywhere but that just isn’t practical or economical. Instead, consideration needs to be given to the impact of disruption on a number of factors including cost, operational impact and reputational damage.“ Stephen concluded.

At Wallace Whittle, we understand the importance of resilience in critical infrastructure. If you’re looking to strengthen the resilience of your projects or would like to discuss how our expertise can support your engineering needs, reach out to Stephen Phimister or contact us at [email protected]

Wallace Whittle is excited to welcome Sarah Chipchase to the team as our new Director of Sustainability, bringing over 20 years of expertise in driving environmental performance in the built environment. 

Sarah, who will be based in Leeds, joins us to lead and develop our growing ESG & Sustainability Consultancy, working closely with Nick Hayes, our Head of ESG and Sustainability. With extensive experience in sustainability certifications such as BREEAM, WELL, and NABERS, Sarah brings a wealth of knowledge to help our clients meet and exceed their sustainability goals. 

“Sustainability matters in every part of modern building projects. Funders want to see environmental performance designed into plans, and end users expect the buildings they occupy to be as sustainable as possible. Wallace Whittle already has an impressive track record in this space, and I’m excited to build on that momentum as we help clients address their sustainability priorities.” Sarah shared.

Sarah’s career began in environmental auditing and management systems, which led her into the world of sustainable engineering and building certification. Having managed teams for most of her career, she has developed a strong track record in overseeing compliance frameworks and guiding clients through complex certification processes. 

A key part of Sarah’s role will be to enhance Wallace Whittle’s sustainability advisory services and drive the adoption of PathWWay, our unique ESG management tool. PathWWay provides a customisable dashboard that allows project teams to set tailored ESG criteria and track progress, offering a single source of verifiable information that can be shared across stakeholders. 

Nick Hayes, Head of ESG and Sustainability, shared

“Sustainability is still a very fast-moving part of the building sector and clients need the right experts onside to help them meet their targets and ambitions. Sarah is a recognised expert in how building projects can not only meet their sustainability compliance obligations, but how they can set new standards and innovate. She’s a hugely valuable addition to the team and brings a wealth of experience in this important area.” 

As Wallace Whittle continues to expand our sustainability consultancy and strengthen our presence in England and beyond, Sarah’s leadership will play a key role in shaping the future of our work in sustainable engineering. 

Connect with our team today to explore how we can help your business achieve its ESG & Sustainability goals, or to learn more about the innovative tools and services we offer visit our dedicated ESG & Sustainability Hub

Wallace Whittle has recently committed to the Construction Quality Improvement Collaborative (CQIC) Charter, which aligns with our vision of placing quality at the forefront of all decision-making to foster a sustainable quality culture.

This commitment supports the objectives outlined in the Scottish Construction Accord, aiming to transform the construction sector by enhancing quality, sustainability, and collaboration. The Scottish Construction Accord, launched in October 2022, represents a collaborative effort between Scotland’s public sector and the construction industry to transform the sector. This initiative aims to create a sustainable, profitable, diverse, and innovative construction industry that benefits all of Scotland.

The Charter outlined by the CQIC is founded on five key values: 

At Wallace Whittle, Quality of Product and Quality of Service are fundamental to our operations. This dedication is exemplified through our WW:Academy which offers structured learning and development programs across four levels, tailored to different career stages, from junior staff to future leaders. The Academy is led by Paul Hargreaves, our Academy Manager, who collaborates closely with Raymond Kelly, our Quality & Standardisation Manager, both bringing extensive experience in the construction industry. 

“Our commitment to quality is embedded in all of our processes and our culture. By aligning with the CQIC Charter, we’re reinforcing our dedication to delivering excellence in every project, ensuring that quality is not just an expectation but standard.”

Raymond Kelly, Quality & Standardisation Manager.

Our commitment to quality is further reinforced by embedding quality control and assurance processes within our internal project programs. We allocate dedicated time for quality checks on all project outputs and conduct continuous internal monitoring to ensure adherence to our high standards. This approach aligns with the CQIC Charter’s emphasis on doing it right the first time and creating conditions that embed a “right first time” culture.  

By joining the CQIC Charter, we are reaffirming our dedication to a quality-centric culture, supporting the ambitions of the Scottish Construction Accord and contributing to the advancement of the construction industry in Scotland. 

To learn more about how Wallace Whittle is driving quality through the CQIC Charter, feel free to reach out to Raymond Kelly or contact us at [email protected]

The UK Net Zero Carbon (UKNZC) Building Standard is an initiative that aims to tackle climate change. The pilot version of the Standard launched in September 2024. With the goal of delivering Net Zero Carbon Buildings by 2050, this voluntary standard sets ambitious new benchmarks for the built environment.  

The Standard adopts both a phased approach and sector-specific targets, understanding that achieving net zero carbon emissions in buildings is a long-term goal and requires a phased approach, but also that different building sectors have unique characteristics and challenges in achieving net zero carbon emissions, meaning there are also sector-specific targets. 

Consolidating existing standards and guidelines from organisations such as the BSI, UKGBC, LETI, RIBA, RICS, and CIBSE, The Standard establishes a unified process for achieving net-zero buildings by addressing carbon emissions across new developments and existing structures. The Standard covers retrofits, renovations, and replacements, and provides a framework for significantly reducing the carbon footprint of buildings across all sectors.  

“Organisations and clients across all sectors are setting bold net-zero ambitions in line with their ESG commitments. However, the real challenge lies in delivering on these goals in a transparent and measurable way. Buildings play a critical role in this effort, both in understanding their environmental impact and achieving meaningful carbon reductions. The UKNZC Building Standard provides a clear, structured framework that leverages industry expertise to support this transition. Its introduction is a welcome step toward a more sustainable built environment.” Nick Hayes, Head of ESG & Sustainability, shared. 

Overview of The UKNZC Building Standard  

As buildings account for around 40% of the UK’s total energy consumption and 23% of greenhouse gas emissions, The UKNZC Building Standard applies to a broad range of building types, across residential, commercial, and public sectors, in attempt to reduce those emissions, and make the shift to a more sustainable environment.  

Unlike many previous industry initiatives, the UKNZC Standard takes a comprehensive and holistic approach to assess a building’s carbon impact, considering both embodied and operational carbon emissions. This ensures that carbon reduction is not treated as a one-off effort, but rather as an ongoing commitment spanning the entire lifecycle of a building. 

Key Components of the Standard

The core objectives of the UKNZC Building Standard focus on reducing both embodied and operational carbon emissions across the entire life-cycle of buildings. It emphasises genuine carbon reduction over offsetting, transparency through independent validation, and encourages innovation and collaboration to achieve a sustainable, net-zero carbon built environment. Limits and reporting metrics are proposed for various key components, which become progressively more stringent each year, which in turn incentivises early action to reduce energy consumption. The proposed targets are subject to third-party verification to confirm that the buildings meet the requirements. Each component targets a critical aspect of carbon reduction and sustainability, ensuring that every aspect of a building’s emissions is considered: 

The UKNZC Building Standard does not outline specific methods to achieve its goals but instead sets clear benchmarks, which can foster innovation and encourage tailored solutions.  

The Standard creates opportunities for us to work with clients, architects, and other stakeholders to deliver integrated, efficient, and forward-thinking designs. As the industry embraces this shift towards decarbonisation, our experience in MEP design, Sustainability, and ESG principles positions us to help our clients follow the pilot standard and drive meaningful change. 

Strategies for Implementation

At Wallace Whittle, we believe that achieving net-zero carbon starts at the very beginning of a project. By integrating sustainability principles early into the design and planning stages, we ensure that every aspect of the building process is aligned with net-zero goals. This involves selecting sustainable materials, optimising building fabric for energy efficiency, sourcing materials locally, and incorporating renewable energy solutions from the outset.

We work closely with our clients to ensure these principles are part of the foundation, ensuring long-term sustainability from day one. Some of the strategies include: 

As the UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard paves the way for a more sustainable environment, it sets ambitious yet achievable benchmarks for reducing carbon emissions across all sectors. While the path to net-zero demands collaboration, innovation, and long-term commitment, it also opens unprecedented opportunities for forward-thinking consultancies like Wallace Whittle to lead by example. 

The UKNZC Building Standard is more than a framework; it is a call-to-action. Through commitment and collaboration, we can meet these ambitious goals and create a built environment that better benefits buildings, people and the planet!  

Connect with our ESG or Sustainability team to discover how we can help your business meet its ESG goals and implement more sustainable solutions, get in touch today. 

Wallace Whittle has been invited to participate in the prestigious Scale Up 2.0 initiative, led by The Hunter Foundation.

This exclusive program is designed to support high-growth businesses headquartered in Scotland, providing them with the tools, mentorship, and strategic guidance to scale effectively to £100m+ in revenues.

Our selection for Scale Up 2.0 is a testament to Wallace Whittle’s strong position as an ambitious, scalable business with high profitability and a relentless growth mindset. We take great pride in this recognition, which reinforces our commitment to sustainable expansion and industry leadership.

A Year of Learning and Growth

Over the next year, our Managing Director, Allan McGill, will be actively participating in the program’s leadership retreats, gaining invaluable insights and strategies to propel our business forward. Additionally, members of our wider Board team will engage in select sessions, ensuring that the benefits of this initiative are embedded across our organisation.

“With us now in our fourth year of business since our MBO, and organically growing from £8m to £15m, this invite has come at just the right time as we look to scale up over the next few years. We’ve already started off well with the recent acquisition of Davie + McCulloch and more opportunities currently being considered.

Being part of this programme will allow us access to many talented individuals with experience of scaling up businesses across various sectors. One of the first sessions was given by Sir Tom Hunter himself – it was fascinating and inspiring to hear first-hand how he scaled up his business and the rules he worked to when doing it.” Allan shared.

Our Goals

This opportunity will also provide us with a unique platform to refine our vision, accelerate innovation, and strengthen our market position, which the full board are fully engaged with as we look to grow and scale the business.

We look forward to sharing our journey with you and working with the other programme participants, as we leverage this opportunity to drive Wallace Whittle to new heights.

For more information on Scale Up 2.0, visit Scale Up Scotland.