Diageo

Our project profile highlights the work Linesight undertook for Diageo but for this case study we’re going to look at how the project achieved top scores for BREEAM and LEED.  

Setting high targets  

As part of the Diageo Environmental Strategy for Project Phoenix they set some very ambitious and difficult targets for this project. They set a target of LEED Platinum and BREEAM Outstanding and the highest possible BER Rating. None of these targets had ever before been achieved in Ireland and in most instances, the world. 

The Linesight team were awarded individual medals of recognition following the completion of the project, to reflect its exemplar performance 

Sustainable solutions
 

Project Phoenix ultimately achieved LEED Platinum and BREEAM Outstanding status, the highest achievable rankings. The process involved full engagement with United States Green Building Council (USGBC) and Building Research Establishment (BRE). 

From an Irish perspective the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) approved the use of Dynamic Simulation Modelling (DSM) to evaluate energy efficiency opportunities. The building itself is carbon neutral, the first and only non-domestic building in the Republic of Ireland to achieve the top Building Energy Rating, A1. 

The team adopted the Energy Efficient Design (EED) methodology to design, construct, and manage the project to achieve minimum energy consumption. EED was the key to reducing energy usage during the operational phase. In turn, capital cost savings were achieved in both utilities and processes. CO2 emissions were reduced significantly. 

The very high score in energy credit count, combined with other sustainability initiatives, contributed to the LEED Platinum Certificate and the BREEAM Outstanding Certificate. 

Project specifics 

Energy credits played a huge part in the overall achievement for LEED Platinum, however there were many other credits that were achieved through the commitment of the design team and construction team. The main highlights were; 

• The project set a zero waste to landfill policy at commencement and succeeded in diverting 100% of the on-site generated construction waste from landfill
• Through responsible sourcing of materials, 14.45% of the total building materials content has been manufactured using recycled materials and 20.24% of the total building materials value includes materials and products that have been manufactured and extracted within 500 miles of the project site
• The project has demonstrated an improvement of 100.26% over the requirements of local building regulations and is considered carbon neutral, achieving a BER rating of A1, the first such rating for a non-domestic building
• The project has offset over 100% of the total energy costs using renewable energy generated on-site
• Brewhouse No. 4 is the first major brewery in the world and the first manufacturing plant in Ireland to achieve the highest award possible for LEED
• Given the nature of what the Brewhouse produces, it uses 14% less water to make a brew than it took before Project Phoenix 

Linesight managed the cost associated with LEED and BREEAM targets and provided full on-site change management for the project duration. The Linesight team was awarded individual medals of recognition following the completion of the project by Diageo, to reflect its exemplar performance. 

As the construction sector commits to a ‘green’ future we think Diageo’s Brewhouse 4 will serve as a benchmark for sustainable projects for years to come.