Background:

The WWF Living Planet Centre based in Woking, Surrey. Known as the UK headquarters of the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) which is one of the world’s leading environmental organisations. In 2013, the building was designed to embody WWF’s mission of creating a future where people and nature can thrive.

The centre is recognised as one of the greenest and sustainable buildings in the UK, achieving a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ status for its exceptional sustainability performance. The building itself features a cutting-edge environmental design and engineering. Such as natural ventilation, rainwater harvesting, solar panels and responsibly sourced timber.

Beyond serving as WWF’s office, the Living Planet Centre doubles as an education and visitor hub. This inspires thousands of school children and visitors each year through interactive exhibits and workshops focused on sustainability and the natural world. It has been designed by Hopkins Architects with Buro Happold a structural engineer known for creating modern, innovative workspaces. In particular, energy systems powered by 410 solar panels using a ground source heat pump to heat and cool the building itself.

Services Delivered:

Throughout the contract, these key services have been identified:

• • • M&E PPM services and reactive call out to landlords’ plant delivered via mobile technicians

    • Soft services, including cleaning and janitorial etc

    • Water hygiene and treatment services

    • BMS Controls

    • Grounds maintenance

Problem: Main Challenge?

The issue which has been identified, there has been noticeable issues with ground source heat pumps. Adding on, we have encountered several issues which can lead to nuisance temperatures within the living planet centre building. This not only affects occupant comfort but can also lead to increased energy consumption, inconsistent environmental control, and difficulty in maintaining the building’s sustainability performance. Over time, this will naturally compromise the operational efficiencies.

Examples:

To resolve the issues identified, we collaborated with our controls team and the subcontractor responsible for maintaining the GSHPs. Ongoing monitoring was required to ensure all plant items were operating as expected.

Overall Conclusion:

Key Results: We continue to pay close attention to the system operation to ensure that it is performing to its design specification, this includes regular visits to the building from engineers and management involved with facilities management. Whilst preventing high energy consumption throughout the building.

Project Delivery: Completed on schedule – all project works carried out on time and continuing works.

Ongoing Relationship: Acorn continues to work closely with WWF we continue to handle any site issues with a matter of urgency. Building on the strong foundations established during the mobilisation process. Regular communication, proactive maintenance and planning are necessary stages. It is a shared commitment to excellence to ensure operations run smoothly and needs are addressed quickly. Naturally strengthening the long-term relationship for Acorn as a trusted partner

Contact us today to discuss how Acorn can provide tailored facilities management solutions for your buildings. Whether you’re managing a commercial business park, corporate office or even industrial sites. Our expert team will work closely with you to achieve your specific needs providing reliable, cost-effective solutions.