Exceptional sustainability credentials + low carbon design = an Outstanding BREEAM certification
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ClientNeilcott Construction
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ProjectShipman Youth Zone
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ArchitectRivington Street Studio
Project overview
Energist provided full BREEAM consultancy support to Neilcott Construction on the Shipman Youth Zone project; a dynamic, purpose-built facility designed by Rivington Street Studio. The scheme has achieved an Outstanding BREEAM certification with a score of 89.7%, demonstrating exceptional sustainability credentials and a forward-thinking approach to low-carbon design.
The Youth Zone was conceived as a welcoming, inclusive space for young people, built with an emphasis on environmental performance, social value, and long-term resilience. From early-stage concept design through to post-construction assessment, Energist supported the project team in aligning design intent with the stringent requirements of the BREEAM framework.
The Challenge
Neilcott Construction and the design team set out to deliver a community facility that would meet ambitious environmental and social sustainability goals while remaining practical, robust, and efficient to operate.
The project needed to:
- Align with London Borough of Newham sustainability policies.
- Demonstrate measurable performance across energy, water, and materials categories.
- Integrate Net Zero Carbon in operation principles into the design and construction.
- Achieve an “Outstanding” BREEAM rating – the highest possible accreditation.
The Solution
Energist worked closely with the main contractor Neilcott Construction to develop a sustainability strategy fully integrated with the project’s design and delivery.
Our BREEAM specialists provided:
- Early-stage engagement workshops to establish clear BREEAM performance targets.
- BREEAM rating and gap analysis to identify opportunities and risks.
Guidance on assessing environmental impacts of construction materials through - Building Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) modelling.
- Support with Net Zero Carbon design and operational energy modelling to ensure alignment with both BREEAM and wider carbon reduction objectives.
- Ongoing liaison with the project team to monitor progress, address technical queries, and ensure documentation compliance.
The BREEAM process became a valuable framework for measuring and verifying sustainability at each stage, acting as a benchmark for the project’s overall environmental and social performance.
The Outcome
Key highlights include:
- Sustainability is at the heart of this project in recognition of Local council’s climate emergency strategy. Shipman is Net-Zero Carbon in operation.
- The predicted energy load of 23.12 kWh/m2/yr is generated on site through a photovoltaic array. Excess electricity is stored in six batteries.
- Sports Hall and the Hub are two key spaces of the project–both naturally ventilated. Air source heat pumps provide the heating and cooling requirements and an MVHR system provides background ventilation.
- A building that sets a new benchmark for community-led, low-carbon construction in London
This development stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when sustainability is embedded from the outset, translating ambition into measurable performance.
Result:
- BREEAM Rating: Outstanding (89.7%)
- Secure by Design Gold Award
