Construction Management: Skanska goes green on Victoria retrofit
BentallGreenOak (BGO), through its Welput fund, is spearheading an ambitious sustainability retrofit of 105 Victoria Street in Westminster—formerly a 1970s House of Fraser building. Partnering with Skanska as the main contractor, BGO is driving a supply‑chain‑wide push to minimise embodied carbon, employing low‑carbon materials such as GGBS concrete, recycled steel via electric‑arc furnace XCarb, HVO-powered trucks, and even an electric concrete truck. This rigorous carbon-counting initiative ensures that the carbon savings will offset the emissions gap between new-build and renovation options within six years of operation.
Beyond materials, BGO’s vision encompasses operational excellence: 100% renewable electricity, a fully electric, net-zero building targeting top-tier ratings (BREEAM Outstanding, EPC A, NABERS 5.5 stars, WELL Platinum), and tenant-centric amenities like green terraces, an “urban farm”, cycle ramp, and walking track. By using a technical-first procurement approach, BGO and Skanska successfully harnessed innovations — such as robotic elevator installation — to lock in low-carbon, high-efficiency solutions across design, construction, and operations.
