It is our responsibility to continually improve First Street's sustainability credentials. This is why at First Street we have developed a strategy that enables new technologies to be integrated over the whole life of First Street, ensuring that we continue to be at the forefront of sustainable development.
Number One First Street is one of the first buildings in Manchester to achieve a post construction BREEAM "Excellent" accreditation. Furthermore it has been designed to allow the integration of new, future technologies. Number One First Street is an environmentally sound choice today and will continue to be well into the future.
Ask Developments have worked with their sustainability advisors Norman Disney & Young to develop a robust sustainability framework for First Street. This framework ensures that the key objectives set out in Ask's corporate sustainability strategy "Creating Sustainable Places" are realised.
Please click on the links below to view more information.
A significant investment has been identified for low and zero carbon technologies. These include combined heat and power systems, biomass, geo exchange (using the ground as a source of heating and cooling), photovoltaic cells and solar thermal for hot water.
These initiatives will see First Street exceed current building standards by 25% or more. This could see the final development save the equivalent annual CO2 emissions of over 800 homes.
A comprehensive strategy is in place to significantly reduce the potable water consumption of First Street.
Rainwater will be harvested and reused for water features, irrigation and cleaning. There is also the provision for this harvested water to be used for non potable purposes within the buildings.
Key targets First Street are to deliver a water-neutral public realm and landscaped environment (any water required is harvested on site) and significantly reduce water consumption from 2006 levels.
The buildings will be developed to enable natural ventilation to be provided where possible.
Night purging (using the cooler night air to cool the buildings) will be used to reduce the cooling demand for the site and further reduce CO2 emissions.
Facades will be optimised to maximise natural light entering the interior of buildings, allow the winter sun to provide heat and minimise the potential for over-heating in summer.
We have sought to ensure that all of our buildings at First Street have a superior indoor environment quality. This will bring together a wide range of diverse issues such as temperature, choice of finishes, views, fresh air and natural light.
