Combining repurposed old buildings and brand new technology, the vision for Silvertown and the wider Royal Docks is in line with London Borough of Newham's plans to be carbon neutral by 2030.
By retrofitting and repurposing rather than demolishing and rebuilding, we greatly reduce the amount of carbon emissions and new materials used during construction – while retaining two iconic landmarks.
Silvertown has always been a place for big ideas and ingenious solutions. And long may it continue. Designed for peak efficiency, a new 'ectogrid' energy network - the largest yet proposed in the UK - will provide zero carbon heating and cooling to homes and workplaces. The energy network will be able to use waste heat sourced from adjacent to the site, which otherwise would have been emitted into the Thames.
Here, we are taking a holistic approach to sustainability, including prioritising nature and the health and wellbeing of residents and tenants.
A landscaping strategy including native plants, mature trees and green roofs will help to achieve an overall Biodiversity Net Gain. Alongside this, open green spaces will provide easy access for residents to gain the benefits of being close to nature, whilst re-establishing a connection to the water.
- All heating and hot water will be powered by the zero-carbon ectogrid energy network.
- Local ‘car-free’ schemes will put cyclists first and encourage residents to walk, cycle or take public transport.
- Low energy, high performing buildings designed to be net zero carbon in operation.
- All buildings targeting best practice green building certification.
- Green and brown roofs installed atop buildings, alongside rooftop photovoltaic panels.
- Over four hectares of new green space planned.
- Net Zero Carbon by 2025
Cutting as many greenhouse gas emissions from business activities as possible, with the remainder offset by approved schemes. (Applies to Scope 1 and 2 emissions.)
- Absolute Zero Carbon by 2040
Removing all greenhouse gas emissions from business activities without the use of offset schemes. (Applies to Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.)
- Helping communities thrive
Lendlease has an ambitious target to create $250 million in social value by 2025.
questions, answered.
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How much carbon will be saved through the adaptive reuse of Millennium Mills?
Our approach to retaining and repurposing as much of the Millennium Mills building as possible will reduce carbon emissions by half compared to a typical new office building (450 vs. 950 kgCO2e/sqm for upfront embodied carbon). This helps to save 16,200 tonnes of carbon. The equivalent of taking 3,600 petrol cars off the road for a year.
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What is an ‘ectogrid’ energy network?
The ectogrid™ is a closed grid with low temperatures where heat pumps and cooling machines in every building adjust the temperature according to need. In this process, each building sends excess heating or cooling to other buildings, depending on their needs. Through sharing, balancing, and storing energy in rotation, the ectogrid™ efficiently uses all available energy flows before adding new energy. This drastically reduces energy consumption – and in turn costs and environmental impact.
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What else is happening at Silvertown to reduce carbon emissions?
Silvertown will be a fossil fuel free development – during construction and operation. All homes and workplaces are all-electric and designed to achieve the highest levels of energy efficiency. As a result, residents will enjoy reduced energy bills and lower energy usage. In addition, photovoltaic panels will be installed on roofs to generate renewable electricity on-site, with the rest of the electricity sourced from 100% renewable sources.
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How will Silvertown help to reduce reliance on cars?
Pedestrian and cycle paths are being prioritised at Silvertown to encourage ‘active’ travel. Cycle storage and cyclist facilities will be installed, exceeding the GLA’s typical requirements. This will be supported by the potential for car clubs and good access to public transport, including links to the Elizabeth line at Custom House and DLR at Pontoon Dock.
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How will ‘biodiversity net gain’ be achieved at Silvertown?
‘Biodiversity net gain’ is a calculation which measures the biodiversity value of the site pre and post-development. The landscaping strategy will re-introduce Silvertown’s ‘open mosaic habitat’ through planting of mature trees in the public realm, rain gardens within plots and biodiverse green roofs on top of buildings, amongst other green features.
