ESG and Sustainability

The first in a group of three buildings, North Quay House was a multi-tenanted office in Bristol situated within the Quayside development. Acquired in 2019, our client aspirations for Quayside were to bring life back to the three buildings through a full interior and exterior refurbishment whilst repositioning the buildings for a new generation of occupiers.

We were appointed by our client to project manage the refurbishment of North Quay House into Neighbourhood North, an environmentally conscious office space that is exemplary in both appearance and performance. Neighbourhood North is the first of the three buildings to be transformed within the low carbon community of ‘Neighbourhood’ and we are delighted to have played our part in bringing our client’s vision to life.  

Works to the property included stripping out all the internal areas, removing selected roof gables, removing and extending the existing windows, and replacing the roof coverings. Upgrades were also made to the building including improvements to the landscaping scheme, installing solar PV panels to the roof, conducting a full capital plant replacement, and upgrading the electrical supply and lifts. We managed a full refurbishment and upgrade of the toilet and end-of-journey facilities – showers, changing rooms, lockers – alongside installing new ceilings and lighting throughout the building. In addition, there is a lateral extension to create a new entrance and reception area.  

Throughout all stages of development, Neighbourhood North has considered its lifecycle carbon. Every step of the refurbishment has been questioned to understand whether its value outweighed the embodied carbon impact, resulting in an environmentally conscious development.  

The project’s sustainability headlines include:

• 218 tonnes of embodied carbon emissions have been saved by retaining the existing raised access flooring, utilising CLT upper floors and roof structure within the extension, using 30% GGBS within the extension sub-structure concrete, and installing new timber-aluminium hybrid windows and curtain walling throughout.
• On completion of the refurbishment works, 29.57% of savings will be achieved on residual CO2 emissions due to specification of air source heat pumps and PV panels.
• 16.4% reduction in energy demand per m2 floor area is anticipated due to the implementation of passive design measures 
  Due to the prioritisation of ESG measures, and reusing the building’s existing fabric, Neighbourhood North is on track to achieve BREEAM Outstanding and EPC A.  

Our client's plans for Neighbourhood North will be emulated across the remaining two buildings, using the same carbon considerations and external aesthetic. We look forward to seeing the Neighbourhood community reach completion in years to come and be enjoyed by future occupiers.  

We are thrilled to have assisted our valued client, DTZ Investors, in successfully completing a comprehensive, sustainable refurbishment of an industrial unit in Trafford Park, Greater Manchester. 

We provided project management and contract administration services as well as photovoltaic consultancy for the installation of a 73 KWP roof-mounted photovoltaic system. The new sustainable installation will produce 61,001 KWh of renewable energy annually, saving 8,289kg of carbon emissions per year and reducing energy bills for the future tenant by an average of 40%. 

Energy-efficient internal renovation  

A full landlord refurbishment was completed for the interior, which included a fully refurbished office space over two floors, WCs and passenger lift. The warehouse has been modernised to include new energy-efficient LED lighting together with presence detection and new electrical distribution hardware. Additionally, a full package of redecoration works were completed including the walls, structural frame and floor slab. 

The installation of new electric panel heaters, a VRF heating and cooling system in the office areas, and LED lighting throughout the property has resulted in the EPC rating improving from B to A+. This means it is now operating at net zero in accordance with DTZ Investors’ net zero carbon framework. 

Adding finishing touches  

In this prime urban industrial location, the roof of the warehouse has received substantial renovation, which consists of new gutter linings and cutting-edge corrosion treatment to all roof sheets. The elevations have been restoratively cleaned and decorated to provide a clean, new-looking aesthetic. 

The service yard has new LED lighting installed and 2 no. twin electric vehicle charging stations. Additionally, servicing and maintenance have been undertaken for the electronic vehicle barrier and hydraulic retractable vehicle bollards, ensuring comprehensive security for the service yard. 

The property has now been successfully let to a new tenant, reinforcing the demand for high-quality, sustainable industrial and logistical space within the Trafford Park area.

We successfully delivered a beautiful new office for Taylor Wessing in Liverpool, project managing a Cat B office fit-out that has achieved a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating for sustainability. We also provided pre-lease due diligence, M&E engineering and ESG consultancy advice as well acting as CDM Principal Designer.

Keen for a presence in the North, international law firm Taylor Wessing chose Edward Pavilion, a Grade I Listed building in a UNESCO World Heritage site at Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock, as its new home in this vibrant and flourishing city.

Delivering this project on the top floor of a Grade I Listed former warehouse building for a client with incredibly high standards during a global pandemic was a huge challenge. We overcame technical concerns around acoustics and natural light, along with the constraints brought about by the listed status of the building: the method of any new fixings into the existing structure, for example, had to be pre-approved by the conservation officer, which required careful time management and forward-planning.

With other works being undertaken simultaneously elsewhere in the building, ensuring full compliance with CDM regulations and other health and safety legislation was paramount – particularly in terms of creating a COVID-secure environment without adversely affecting the programme or budget from any reductions in manpower.

The decision to target a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ sustainability rating for the fit-out was made after the commencement of the project, so we worked quickly to adapt the design and specifications of fabric and mechanical and electrical elements to deliver the performance required. By drawing on advice from our in-house M&E experts and working in true partnership, the project team was able to deliver the changes required, all whilst keeping the project on programme and budget.

Innovations in design came from the unique use of photographic portraits around the space in the form of impactful, full-height images laser-printed onto acoustic insulating canvases, which was related to the client’s sponsorship. The layout and flow of the space were based on the principles of navigating an art gallery, so while the space works functionally, users also have a ‘journey of discovery’ as they travel through the environment.

With varying work spaces, including formal desks, meetings booths, casual meeting areas and spaces for quiet work, the new office provides a flexible and agile working environment for the Taylor Wessing team, who can choose to work in the best way for them. In addition, break out areas have provided an environment which is much more conducive to collaboration and the flexible future of office working.

This project was Winner of 'Fit-out/Refurbishment of the Year' at Insider Liverpool City Region Property Awards 2021 & BCO Awards 2022.

Hollis was appointed to provide a coordinated suite of technical and commercial reports to support the marketing and sale of Peterhouse Technology Park, a multi-building logistics and industrial asset in Cambridge.

The instruction covered a total of 139,281 sq ft across four industrial buildings, together with a car park plan, and required a set of assignable vendor reports that would stand up to purchaser scrutiny and help maintain momentum through the transaction process.

At the heart of the commission was the delivery of Measured Surveys and Area Referencing, providing independently verified floor areas and clear, consistent measurement data to underpin valuation and reduce the risk of challenge during due diligence. Accurate area information was critical to supporting the asset’s marketing strategy and ensuring confidence for agents, purchasers and funders alike.

Alongside this, Hollis delivered a comprehensive package of supporting technical reports, including building surveys, vertical transportation, M&E engineering and a Phase 1 Environmental assessment, supplemented by ESG and sustainability advice. Bringing these services together enabled a joined-up view of the asset’s condition, performance and compliance, rather than a series of siloed reports.

Our integrated approach meant surveyors and engineers worked collaboratively, sharing site inspections and data where appropriate. This reduced duplication, improved consistency across reports and enabled potential issues to be identified and addressed early, helping to avoid delays later in the transaction.

The result was a clear, robust and market-ready vendor pack that supported LaSalle Investment Management in presenting the asset with confidence. By providing assignable reports and reliable area data from the outset, the instruction helped streamline the sales process, minimise risk for all parties and support informed decision-making throughout the disposal.

This project demonstrates how accurate Measured Surveys and Area Referencing, combined with coordinated technical and ESG advice, can play a pivotal role in protecting value and enabling smooth, efficient transactions in the logistics and industrial sector.

We were appointed to deliver a comprehensive purchaser’s Technical Due Diligence (TDD) report for Anchor Retail Park, a rare and strategically located mixed-use asset in London’s East End. As one of the few remaining inner London retail parks, the site offers significant landholding and long-term potential for capital enhancement and alternative uses.

Our multidisciplinary team worked closely with the client, DTZ Investors, to understand their acquisition priorities and deliver a robust technical assessment under tight time constraints. The site comprises a terrace of three-unit retail warehouses and a terrace of eleven four-bedroom houses.

Technical Due Diligence delivery

We undertook a full suite of Technical Due Diligence services, coordinating across disciplines to ensure a seamless and efficient delivery. In line with the client’s requirements, our Building Surveying, Mechanical & Electrical, and ESG teams produced detailed technical reports, including:

• Building Fabric and M&E Building Survey Reports
• Reinstatement Cost Assessment
• Level 5 EPC Assessment
• Peer review of a Phase 2 Environmental report
• NZC Audit with Decarbonisation Pathway

To ensure full regulatory and safety compliance, we also consulted our in house fire engineering specialists, who reviewed the site’s fire strategy and provided expert input to support the client’s risk profile.

Challenges and solutions

One of the key challenges was the complexity of the site, which included both commercial and residential elements.
Operating under tight acquisition deadlines, we mobilised quickly and delivered all services within the required timeframe. Our ability to coordinate multiple disciplines as well as specialist external consultants – while maintaining quality and rigour – was critical to the success of the project.

Another challenge was ensuring comprehensive environmental and fire safety assurance. Our team addressed this by conducting a peer review of the existing Phase 2 Environmental report and engaging fire engineering specialists to validate compliance and identify any risks.

Opportunities and outcomes

Anchor Retail Park represented a rare opportunity to acquire a substantial landholding in inner London, with strong existing use value and significant potential for future redevelopment or repositioning.

Our reporting provided the client with a clear understanding of the site’s current condition, regulatory standing, and long term potential. This enabled informed decision-making and supported a confident acquisition strategy.
By delivering a thorough and integrated due diligence package, we helped de-risk the transaction and position the client to unlock the full value of this unique asset.

To learn more about how we can help on your next retail project get in touch with Kevin Howes.

From distressed asset to future-fit logistics hub. Our Ashford team supported Delin Property with full due diligence and ESG advice, progressing a warehouse from EPC C68 towards an A rating.

Watch the video.

Our wider services included Dilapidations, Health, Safety and Quality, Measured Surveys and Area Referencing, and completion of a Reinstatement Cost Assessments for the refurbishment project of Burleigh House - a 30,000 sq ft Grade II listed office and retail property on The Strand in London. The project focused on enhancing the building’s office spaces while preserving and celebrating its rich historical character.

The refurbishment encompassed significant external upgrades to the facades along The Strand and Burleigh Street, showcasing the building’s distinctive Graeco-Roman and Venetian architectural styles. Inside, the entrance and reception areas were modernised to create a more welcoming and functional office space, complemented by improved facilities, a high-quality CAT B office fit-out, and the addition of a roof terrace.

Sustainability was a central focus of the project. We incorporated exposed existing construction materials, prioritised sustainable resources, and implemented strategies to minimise site waste. To support long-term goals, a Net Zero Carbon (NZC) report was prepared, outlining the asset’s pathway to achieving NZC status by 2050.

The Net Zero Report identified carbon reduction opportunities which were integrated into the refurbishment, accelerating some works by over 10 years. The following initiatives have been completed:

• BMS upgrades
• Installation of automatic tenant metering/submetering
• LV switch panel upgrade
• MVHR upgrades
• Change to demand-led ventilation
• Overnight base load reduction
• Lighting upgrades
• Adjusted temperature set points
• Installation of solar film
• Installation of insulation to the underside of the roof 

We worked closely with Montagu Evans (planning consultants) and Westminster City Council to secure planning permissions and listed building consent. Notably, there were no pre-commencement conditions, apart from the requirement for approval of facing materials.

Challenges and solutions

Working in an occupied building presented unique challenges, particularly due to the proximity of the Lyceum Theatre, which required careful coordination. We needed to relocate roof services to create a terrace, move the retail tenant’s extract system to accommodate plant works, and replace the LV switch panel - all while minimising disruption.

Regular communication with tenants, including weekly updates and targeted meetings, kept everyone informed and onboard. Early and detailed plans mitigated risks for impactful works like window repairs and system upgrades.

To avoid disturbing the Lyceum Theatre, external works were scheduled around showtimes, while out-of-hours activities were carefully timed to accommodate office and retail occupants. For the roof extract relocation, we worked closely with the retail tenant, ensuring their team’s presence to minimise downtime and avoid disruption to their operations.

Key Achievements

• All major project milestones, including sensitive tasks such as plant relocation and system replacements, were completed without disruption to tenants. The External works were also successfully carried out while maintaining the Lyceum Theatre’s operational schedule.
• We integrated sustainability goals into the design and construction, setting the building on its path to NZC by 2050. This project combined historic character with modern, efficient office spaces.
• The refurbishment of this iconic property on The Strand demonstrates our ability to manage complex projects in sensitive, occupied environments.

Through effective communication, meticulous planning, and close collaboration with key stakeholders, we are proud to have delivered a project that fully met our client’s goals. By enhancing the building’s functionality, celebrating and preserving its rich heritage, and aligning with ambitious future sustainability targets, we demonstrated our commitment to excellence and our passion for creating spaces that inspire while respecting their history.

We were appointed by our client, M&G Real Estate, to provide multiple services for their CAT A office refurbishment. These services included Building Forensics, Project Management, Cost Management, Mechanical and Electrical, CDM Principal Designer and ESG Consulting.  

Works on the property involved upgrading their dated ground floor reception to a new mezzanine structure. On the first level is a multi-use room that has been designed with flexibility in mind and is ideal for presentations, corporate events and yoga sessions. On the other side of the reception is a new large formal meeting room. The main reception area has built-in booths for ad-hoc meetings with colleagues and visitors and includes two up-lit artificial trees that add colour, promote calmness, and increase positive energy throughout the space.  

The works also included repurposing an unused storage room at the rear of the building into a new modern cycle change facility with new showers, heated lockers, and a fully refurbished bike storage area. We’re proud to have achieved an ActiveScore Gold certification for the new facilities in the building.  

In addition, the works included the Cat A refurbishment of the 8th and 9th floors, which consisted of stripping out the dated suspended ceilings, modifying the existing M&E and preparing/decorating the soffits and structural elements in order to provide a modern and contemporary de-furbished look to the floor plates.  

As this refurbishment was being worked on in a live multi-tenant city centre building, to avoid disruption, we implemented a careful phasing plan in collaboration with the building management team. We worked to keep the reception partially open at all times during the programme for building users and visitor access.  

The project experienced technical design issues that required resolution in a timely manner as the works progressed on-site at a quick pace. This was a result of the tight timeframe available to get the reception fully open again as quickly as possible and ahead of a planned agents opening launch in the week before Christmas.  

One particular challenge for the project team was finding a solution for fixing the steel mezzanine structure to the existing building floor structure, as there was a public multi-story car park located beneath the building.  

The solution needed liaison with NCP to gain access to closed-off work areas, drill into soffits to expose the structure, and check that the new steel was in the correct place. As a result, we utilised cross-laminated timber (CLT) floor for the new mezzanine structure. The decision to go for timber rather than concrete or steel was because CLT is a low-impact material with a much lower embodied carbon footprint. It also allowed the M&E services to be concealed due to its lower profile.  

The cycle change facilities within the building attained an ActiveScore Gold for the health and wellbeing factors available. End of journey facilities enable occupiers to travel to work via bike and offer amenities for this, encouraging travel choices that reduce the impact on the environment. This meets the client brief to offer a healthy working environment designed to attract and retain tenants. We look forward to seeing the facilities enjoyed by future occupiers.  

A strategic acquisition in the Beatrix business district 

Monarch Tower II, a 15storey multitenant office building at Prinses Beatrixlaan 5–11, offers 18,956 m² of modern workspace with a shared two level underground car park, 121 parking spaces and extensive bicycle storage. Built in 2013, the property combines high-quality finishes with excellent connectivity - tram, bus and train links, plus direct motorway access to Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Utrecht.

Our brief was clear. Deliver a comprehensive technical due diligence (TDD) review that would give Kapitel confidence in both the asset’s current condition and its long term resilience.

Integrated expertise, delivered together 

This project showcased our “All Together Different” philosophy. Our Amsterdam team worked across disciplines – technical, environmental, ESG and cost management – to provide a 360° assessment. By combining investment, sustainability and risk perspectives, we ensured every opportunity and challenge was identified and addressed.

Managing complexity through collaboration 

The challenge was to coordinate multiple specialisms under tight timelines. We established a core client team for continuous updates and clear communication, while our inhouse experts worked integrally to streamline delivery. This approach mitigated technical risks and gave the client transparent, actionable insights.

ESG and futureproofing at the heart 

Sustainability was a key driver. Our team embedded ESG objectives and CRREM analysis into the review, aligning the asset with future regulatory and performance expectations. This ensured the advice was not only robust for acquisition but also strategic for long term asset management.

The result: confidence and clarity 

Kapitel received a detailed, future ready TDD report that balanced technical rigour with sustainability insight. Monarch Tower II now stands as an example of how integrated expertise can unlock value and reduce risk in complex acquisitions. 

Our client asked us to undertake energy optimisation reports on their Irish portfolio of properties to identify any areas that could be improved from an energy performance perspective.

We surveyed the buildings and reviewed the existing energy efficiency measures in place then produced a detailed report outlining our findings, which identified any areas that could be improved to reduce the landlord’s operating costs and
improve the energy efficiency of the building.

Our report identified immediate areas where the energy systems within each property could be optimised without any capital costs and recommended low cost energy efficiency measures that could be undertaken in the short term. We also provided a high-level feasibility on the use of renewable technologies and created a fully costed roadmap for future plant replacement/refurbishment. It is anticipated that by undertaking these straight forward recommendations and improvements that the energy performance of each property could be improved by 5 to 15%.

We are delighted to have provided a multi-service offering to our client City Developments Ltd, enabling them to mitigate risk in their acquisition of St Katharine Docks in London. Our service offering included Technical Due Diligence, Mechanical and Electrical, Vertical Transportation, ESG Consulting, Environmental Consulting, and Reinstatement Cost Assessments. 
 
An iconic site, St Katharine Docks Marina is a 525,449 sq ft riverside and marina office and leisure estate located in the heart of Central London. Originally constructed circa 1830, St Katharine Docks has a rich history in the British trading empire, facilitating the trade of luxury goods. The effects of the Second World War led to the regeneration of St Katharine Docks in the 1970s to what it is today. 
 
St Katharine Docks is arranged over four principal buildings: Devon House, International House, Commodity Quay and Ivory House. Additional ancillary buildings including the Marble Quay, Dickens Inn, Cloisters Walk, and the Haven building complete the site alongside the marina, carpark and public realms areas. Since its redevelopment, St Katharine Docks now attracts over 5.9 million visitors per annum. 
 
We were instructed to inspect, report and provide commentary on the condition of the properties and public realm demised to St Katharine Docks. Providing a multi-service offering, a dedicated team of building surveyors, specialist mechanical, electrical and lift engineers, and both environmental and ESG consultants inspected the properties. A pre-acquisition survey report was produced detailing the condition of the building in conjunction with an M&E report, ESG report, full phase 1 Environmental report and a Reinstatement Cost Assessment for the entire site. 
 
Given the scale and complexity of the site, it was imperative that we coordinated our services to inspect all required areas within the transaction timetable. Out inspections remained sensitive to the requirements of the vendor, who wished for minimal disruption to the operations of the occupiers. Showing excellent client care and being sympathetic to both our client and vendor requirements, we were able to overcome all challenges, all whilst adopting a ‘one team’ approach and working collaboratively with all stakeholders. 
 
We are proud to have delivered for our client on such an iconic and historic area of real estate in central London.