by Rachel Thomas
| 13 May 2026
Following a comprehensive refurbishment, of People’s Partnership HQ, we have achieved an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating of A – a significant improvement from its previous EPC D rating. This transformation reflects a fundamental upgrade in the building’s energy efficiency, carbon performance, and long-term sustainability.
Our refurbishment was driven by a clear commitment to reducing operational carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency, and creating a healthier, more comfortable workplace, and has already demonstrated a clear reduction in our gas emissions by 69.34%, and electricity by 21.27% compared to our 2024/25 reporting.
Removing gas and cutting carbon
Gas was the single biggest carbon lever. We removed the original gas boilers and replaced them with air source heat pumps, supported by a heat-recovery system providing heating, cooling, and hot water.
This step-change in building services delivers:
- Significantly lower energy demand
- Reduced operational carbon emissions, contributing directly to a lower overall carbon footprint
- Lower long-term running costs
- Improved comfort and indoor air quality
Smarter, more efficient lighting
Lighting was another material contributor to operational carbon. Outdated fluorescent fittings were replaced with high-efficiency LED lighting, integrated with:
- PIR (passive infrared) occupancy sensors
- Daylight-responsive lighting controls
These upgrades deliver measurable benefits across energy use, carbon reduction, cost efficiency, comfort, and compliance.
Reducing water use and associated carbon
To further reduce environmental impact, sensor-activated taps and toilet flushes were installed throughout the building. These measures significantly reduce water consumption and associated carbon emissions by lowering hot water demand.
Responsible furniture and supply chain choices
Sustainability was a core consideration in our furniture supplier selection. Our chosen partner demonstrates strong, verifiable credentials across:
- Materials sourcing, with all timber products from certified sustainable forestry
- Manufacturing, including investment in a biomass boiler at its UK facility
- Environmental management, supported by ISO 14001 certification
On‑site renewable energy
By the end of 2026, we will further reduce operational carbon emissions, grid electricity dependency, and long-term energy costs through the installation of rooftop solar PV at our HQ.
The refurbishment builds on our long‑established commitment to purchasing 100% green electricity and supports our ongoing journey towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050.