Golden Lane is targeting a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ and an EPC ‘A’ grade, reflecting outstanding performance against leading sustainability standards. The retrofit, featuring a timber extension, is exemplifying innovation in low-carbon design, significantly reducing both operational and embodied carbon. This approach is positioning Golden Lane as a pioneering building in Central London, setting a benchmark for sustainable development. The project is meeting 21st century demands, demonstrating how retrofit solutions are revitalising existing structures for a greener future. It is designed to meet the pioneering UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard.

Golden Lane will emit just 399kgCO₂e/m² in embodied carbon, which represents a remarkable saving of 601kgCO₂e/m² compared to a typical building of its type. This significant reduction is largely attributed to the innovative use of a timber extension, which is far less carbon-intensive than traditional materials, and the sensitive reuse of the existing building structure. Together, these strategies substantially lower the overall carbon footprint of the project while retaining architectural heritage.

The innovative timber structure at Golden Lane will lock away 221 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, matching the carbon sequestration of 221 mature trees. In the dense urban environment of Central London, planting such a number of trees is simply not feasible due to space constraints. By incorporating timber into the retrofit, the project achieves a level of carbon capture that would otherwise be impossible at this location.