Bonham Quay, the new mixed-use development in the heart of Galway City, has been recognised as a leader in One Planet Living® by the international sustainability charity ‘Bioregional’, it was confirmed yesterday (Wednesday ).
‘Bioregional’ is a sustainability charity with over 25 years experience in helping create sustainable communities and products. They have been involved with flagship projects like the renowned BEDZED - Beddington Zero Energy in Hackbridge (London ), and One Brighton the sustainable homes project in Brighton. This is the first development in Ireland to be recognised for leadership in One Planet Living.
One Planet Living® takes a holistic approach to sustainability, and not only evaluates traditional measures of sustainability like transport, energy and waste, but also quality of life issues such as health and happiness.
Combining office, retail, restaurant, and cultural space, this 34,405sqm scheme is designed to create a healthy, greener work environment for 2,600 people - where it is easy to make sustainable choices.
The former industrial site is being developed by Edward Capital Limited , is designed by BDP Architects and managed by Cushman and Wakefield. Edward Capital decontaminated the site in 2019 and John Sisk and Sons will hand over the completed first phase in Q1-2021.
Highlights of the development include:
Sustainable, active travel encouraged with a ratio of just of a 0.05 car parking space per worker, excellent public transport links, electric car charging points, 330 bicycle spaces and dedicated commuter centre with showers and secure bike storage facilities
Looking after the health and wellbeing of occupants with green space, gym and exercise facilities, plenty of natural light and low levels of indoor pollution
Living wages guaranteed – all tenants will be required to pay their staff a living wage
Engaging with tenants to create a culture of sustainability – a tenant handbook will provide useful One Planet Living guidance, including a sustainable food charter, and support to eliminate single-use plastics
23% of the site will be landscaped green space using native Irish trees, plants and wildflowers
The development aims to be net-zero carbon by 2030 through high energy efficiency, as well as using solar energy, air-source heat pumps, a heat recovery system and purchased renewable energy, where possible
Panoramic views over Galway Bay – the office floors benefits from panoramic views over Galway bay
Sue Riddlestone, co-founder and CEO of Bioregional, said Bonham Quay is an inspiring response to how our city centres can evolve to create places we want to visit and work in, with space for nature which all can enjoy.
“This, combined with its highly accessible location, and the deep commitment of the Edward Capital development team to designing a high-quality scheme that makes it easy for people to live a sustainable lifestyle, has ensured that Bonham Quay deserves recognition as a sustainability leader in Ireland for One Planet Living.”
Gerry Barrett, Edward Capital said Edward Capital are delighted and honoured that Bioregional has recognised Bonham Quay as an International leader in One Planet Living.
“Since being introduced to One Planet Living, Edward Capital have been using this holistic framework to further drive our sustainability aspirations. With Bonham Quay located in Galway city centre also delivering office space that meets the WELL Standard, LEED Gold and WIRED Score Platinum certification, we were sure that we had a fantastic base for creating a sustainability exemplar. Using the One Planet Living framework we identified areas where we could go even further, including working closely with both tenants and the neighbouring community to create a culture that really embraces sustainability goals,” he said.
