Green credentials of 4 St Paul’s Square measured

English Cities Fund and The Homes & Communities Agency have carried out a study to compare the energy costs of the building in Liverpool city centre with a typical commercial development from the 1990s.

The research claims that No 4 St Paul's, which provides over 100,000 sq ft of Grade A space and was awarded with a BREEAM 'excellent' rating, shows a saving to occupiers of £244,815 in energy costs over 10 years in comparison to a typical 1990s building.

Conducted by Hannan Associates, the study estimated energy costs for a typical floor plate and found that occupiers and investors will save up to 57% on energy bills compared to 20 years ago, due to the buildings green credentials.

Sustainability features at the building include the glass fin, which was designed both as an architectural feature but also to provide solar shade to the building.

The building also incorporates an air-sourced variable refrigerant flow heating and cooling system, which provides more than 15% of the building's energy requirements. The combination of sustainability and low energy technologies included within the design and construction of the building has recorded a 22% improvement over the target emission rate set by the 2006 Building Regulations.

No 4 St Paul's Square was also fitted with a sedum roof, with the 2,292 sq ft matting absorbing rainwater, boosting the insulation properties and helping filter out pollutants.

Other features in the water conservation strategy include the fitting of water-efficient taps, low flush toilets, leak detection and monitoring systems.

No 4 St Paul's Square provides Grade A accommodation at £21.50/sq ft with column free floor plates, natural light and panoramic views across the River Mersey and Wirral.

The provision of cycle racks has also boosted the building's BREEAM rating, along with the pollution prevention measures such as oil interceptors to prevent water pollution and lighting regimes that minimise light pollution.

Darran Lawess, development director for Muse Developments and English Cities Fund development manager, said: "No 4 St Paul's Square has set new standards in terms of architecture, design and quality. The recent study proves that the building also offers occupiers a whole host of sustainable features that are cost effective in the long term.

"The building, which will offer 57% return in energy costs compared to the 1990s, is the only building in the North West to do so."