Situation

Costa, which operates more than 1,800 coffee shops across the UK, is part of Whitbread plc. Through its sustainability programme, Good Together, Costa had been looking at developing a zero carbon store since 2009, focusing on efficient equipment and in-store energy use. Although Costa had successfully achieved reductions, the company realised that it could not approach zero carbon through these strategies alone. However, in attempting zero carbon for new stores elsewhere, Costa was faced with the challenge of not being the lead occupier in the building and therefore not able to influence at the design stage.

When Costa approached Hammerson about a zero carbon store at Wrekin Retail Park, Hammerson welcomed the opportunity to collaborate. This is a project that fits exactly with Hammerson’s Positive Places vision – to deliver positive environmental, social and economic impact.

Hammerson and Costa worked on the project with architects Emission Zero, project managers Projex Building Solutions and building frame firm Fordingbridge, together pioneering environmentally-friendly and innovative energy saving technologies. The local authority, Telford & Wrekin Council, also provided a supportive planning context, and there was a good fit with the town’s heritage of innovation in engineering.

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Together, Hammerson and Costa collaboratively invested in the 1,600 sq ft Eco Pod, which offers seating for around 60 people inside and 20 outside.

Both parties recognised the benefits of a high performing building and agreed to an open book approach to the costs and benefits, so that they could overcome any split incentives. Hammerson agreed to fund the enhanced shell, which was more expensive than a ‘business as usual’ store, for instance including photovoltaic panels on the roof. In turn, Costa agreed to an increase in rent based on the energy cost savings it expects to benefit from on an ongoing basis. This created a cost neutral investment for both parties and was key to unlocking this project.

Key sustainability design features include:

• Super-insulated façade that uses soft wood with excellent energy retention properties, keeping more heat in during the winter and helping to maintain a cool interior during the summer
• 28kW photovoltaic panels on the specially curved roof generate clean power for internal operating equipment, such as fridges, dishwashers, ceramic panini grills and coffee machines
• Intelligent orientation of the building achieves optimum levels of sun and shade, impacting on overall energy requirements for heating and cooling
• Under-floor heating system and passive ventilation further minimises heating and cooling demand in the building
• Timber frame from FSC-certified sustainable sources, rather than a traditional steel frame, reduces the embodied carbon footprint of the building

In addition, the new equipment in the Eco Pod is significantly more efficient than equipment in older stores, thanks to Costa’s ongoing focus on energy and water efficiency. For instance, Costa’s new intelligent coffee machine not only has three chambers rather than a single boiler to improve the efficiency of heating the water, it is also able to learn the trade patterns of the store and manage its power usage throughout the day and week. This has led to a reduction in energy usage of 28% compared to the previous version, with the machine also giving out less heat, which reduces the demands on in-store cooling systems.

Benefits and financials

• 54% energy saving: low energy design with high levels of insulation, good air tightness and high performance glazing
• High quality internal environment: through passive ventilation, radiant heating and increased natural daylight
• Greater seating capacity: the overhanging roof canopy creates covered external seating areas and the building geometry enables a mezzanine deck for future expansion
• Energy security: secure, cost effective access to electricity from the photovoltaic panels for Costa and future occupiers
• Quick construction: full shell construction within 12 weeks
• Reputation: supporting Hammerson’s and Costa’s wider sustainability programmes and reputations

The sustainability improvements met Hammerson’s and Costa’s financial requirements, with both parties benefiting across the 10-year lease period. 

Find out more

Richard Quartermaine

Environmental Manager

Hammerson

Thomas Cochrane

Retail Parks Development Manager

Hammerson    

http://sustainability.hammerson.com/

Oliver Rosevear

Energy & Environment Manager

Costa

E: Oliver.Rosevear@whitbread.com

http://www.costa.co.uk/responsibility/