Our Aim
Creating a carbon-zero and sustainable workspace.
Our Story
The Eco Perch Business Centre is an innovative building, comprised of coworking spaces and serviced offices, designed to be distinctive, eco-friendly, and sustainable. It is a truly zero-carbon building, and the first non-domestic building in the UK to achieve the new Passivhaus Plus standard – this means it not only drastically reduces energy use, but it also produces as much energy as its occupants consume.
The business centre was developed by Cherwell District Council and supported by the European Regional Development Fund. It was designed by Architype – a UK architectural practice known for its pioneering commitment to sustainable architecture. The building is constructed around a concrete frame with timber infill and all of the materials used are ethical and eco-friendly. It’s also designed to achieve a BREEAM Excellent Rating – BREEAM is the world’s leading sustainability assessment method for master planning projects, infrastructure, and buildings.
Lee Fordham, Associate Director from Architype, explained their design approach:
“Designing a building from fabric first in terms of Passivhaus is definitely the way to go. It allows us to make sure the building is comfortable all the way through the year, we have really healthy materials, so the wellbeing of people is looked after, and it reduces energy bills.”
The Eco Perch Business Centre is not only an innovative and energy-smart building, but it’s also home to environmentally conscious businesses, including a B Corp – a certified business with the highest standards of social and environmental performance – called Town Square Spaces. Community Manager Lucy Wendon described their mission:
“We try and help communities prosper and thrive by helping people start businesses. We’ve been a B-Corp for 3.5 years and from the beginning, we knew that we wanted to balance profit and purpose, and we wanted to give back to the environment and society.”
The centre has a strong eco-policy to guide sustainable actions. There are two electric vehicle chargers onsite, but residents are encouraged to cut carbon emissions by leaving their cars at home and cycling, walking, or taking public transport to work. In 2021, the Eco Perch Business Centre was part of Planet Mark’s Zero Carbon Tour.
The scheme is currently being expanded across Norfolk, and we meet regularly with our network to share green best practices, ideas, and advice. We’re always looking for new ways to support local businesses and we’re excited to continue to grow the Carbon Charter’s reach and impact.
Our Advice
It is possible (and practical) to make positive change –
It’s possible to make sustainable decisions for your business and to change work habits. This might mean commuting by bike or by train rather than by car or relocating to a sustainably certified business space.
Our Metrics: –
• Community and consumer engagement.
Read more: www.architype.co.uk