Sustanability in the workplace - IQL Stratford

A full list of what makes an office sustainable is featured in the BREEAM Outstanding section below, but at the forefront is enhancing the wellbeing of those who work there. Through exceptional workspace design, we’ve created offices that have employees' wellness in mind. Flexible floorplans, natural light, fresh air indoors, outdoor working spaces, and layouts that foster collaboration: that’s why all IQL workplaces are Gold certified by the International WELL Building Institute.

How can an office be sustainable? You might ask. Our 2 Redman Place and Pavilion buildings have also achieved an Outstanding award from BREEAM – the world leading authority on sustainable buildings. This is the highest achievement awarded, recognising places that were built with sustainability in mind. By building with low-carbon materials such as responsibly sourced timber, alongside efficiency measures such as smart metering, water-efficient fixtures and waste minimisation processes, these buildings minimise their impact on the environment and can operate sustainably into the future.

IQL is located right next to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 560 acres of rolling green space. The park has over 6,000 trees, many of which are London Plane trees; a type of tree which is proven to absorb pollutants from our air. It also has a variety of plants which in turn bring new species of insect and bird to the park, increasing Stratford’s natural biodiversity. But above all this, the park is a place for people. There’s plenty to do, with specially curated routes and trails for runners and meanderers alike. It’s a haven in the City; a space that’s making Stratford a cleaner and more pleasant place to be.

Due to our proximity to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, our buildings are designed to benefit from the Stratford District Heating and Cooling network which comprises of two energy centres that use biomass boilers. This means that IQL and its neighbours are supplied with low-carbon, efficiently produced energy. It is currently the largest decentralised energy scheme in the UK.

As part of our commitment to Sustainability we’re growing a large ‘Living Wall’ at IQL. This will be provide almost 2,000 sqm of natural habitat, a place where birds, bees and insects can set up a home that will nurture and nourish them, eventually increasing the local populations. We’ve also created green rooftops with bird boxes that will play home to bird species and other local wildlife. The benefit of all this? Increasing biodiversity within an urban area like Stratford helps to absorb carbon emissions which in turn cools the planet.

As part of the Olympic legacy, Stratford’s connectivity significantly improved and has continued to do so, long since the games ended. IQL is committed to green transport, with exceptional facilities available to both residents, visitors and employees. For cyclists, there are bicycle racks aplenty, as well as folding bicycle spaces, accessible Sheffield stand spaces and shower facilities within many of our office buildings. Those working and living in Stratford also have access to the Life at IQL app, which allows people to share sustainable transport opportunities with others, further reducing their personal environmental footprint.

The Pavilion at IQL is a stellar example of construction that’s conscious of Sustainability. The new home of D&D London, the Pavilion, is a hub for the community. A landscaped, central point for Stratford where people can congregate, relax, dine and meet. The building itself is made almost entirely from sustainably sourced timber and during construction, procedures were put in place to reduce waste on site. It acts as one of IQL’s “third spaces” offering employees from nearby buildings the opportunity to work outdoors in the outdoor amphitheatre, while the rooftop of the building is open to the public to enjoy the magnificent views stretching across London.