The Entopia Building

The Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) sought to transform a 1930s former telephone exchange into a world-leading sustainable headquarters. The project aimed to demonstrate that deep green retrofits could meet rigorous environmental standards, including Passivhaus EnerPHit, BREEAM Outstanding and WELL Gold. The challenge was to achieve these targets within a constrained budget, while preserving the building's heritage and minimising embodied carbon. 

G&T provided Cost Management services throughout the project, ensuring financial control and value for money. The design team adopted a fabric-first approach, enhancing the building's envelope to reduce energy demand and allowing for downsized mechanical systems. Circular economy principles were central, with extensive reuse of materials such as reclaimed steel for the PV canopy, refurbished lighting and recycled furniture. Bio-based materials were specified to improve indoor air quality and reduce environmental impact. 

Completed in 2022, the Entopia Building stands as a benchmark for sustainable retrofit, achieving EnerPHit certification and on track for BREEAM Outstanding and WELL Gold. The project reduced operational energy use by 85% and embodied carbon by over 80% compared to standard refurbishments. Now home to CISL and its Canopy incubator, the building fosters innovation in sustainability and serves as a living lab for future developments. G&T's cost management expertise was instrumental in delivering this pioneering project within budget.