Sustainability & Environmental Consulting

Cundall faced significant challenges in creating a healthy workplace environment in their new London office at One Carter Lane. The primary issue was ensuring optimal indoor air quality while adhering to sustainability standards. To address this, Cundall implemented the WELL Building Standard, making their office the first project in Europe to achieve this certification and the seventh globally. This innovative office fit-out not only achieved Gold in the WELL Standard certification but also received SKA Gold and BREEAM Excellent ratings, demonstrating that a focus on health and wellbeing can coexist with sustainability.

The tailored solutions Cundall employed to enhance indoor air quality included the use of healthy, natural materials with zero VOCs, the implementation of low and zero-emission cleaning policies, and real-time monitoring of local air quality metrics such as VOCs, CO2, PM10, and PM2.5. They also installed a ventilated green wall for air purification and variable air volume systems linked to occupancy densities with CO2 sensors. The design incorporated biophilic elements through the use of natural materials and local planting, which further contributed to a healthier indoor environment.

The results of these initiatives were quantifiable and significant. Cundall reported a 50% reduction in absenteeism within the first year of implementing the WELL Building Standard. Additionally, as the staff numbers increased from 165 to 210, they observed a rise in CO2 concentrations, prompting them to explore further solutions, such as installing a small ventilation unit in the building facade. The investment in the WELL certification, which added approximately £200 per person, proved to be a valuable expenditure, enhancing employee satisfaction and wellbeing while maintaining a commitment to sustainability.