Eagle Labs Cambridge retrofit
Eagle Labs Cambridge has been retrofitted with the aim of improving energy efficiency. We have detailed some of the improvements made. All products and materials are as per manufacturer’s specifications.
Solar energy panels
Solar energy panels or solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are used to generate electricity for the building. These have been placed on the roof and a canopy structure constructed in the carpark housing additional panels.
There are 128 PV panels/modules on the roof with the capacity to produce 46MWh of electricity per year.
The carpark canopy adds an additional 90 PV panels/modules with the capacity to produce up to 28 MWh of electricity per year.
A solar photovoltaic and thermal system
A solar photovoltaic and thermal (PVT) system is used to generate the electricity to supply hot water for the building. These panels generate both electricity and heat unlike solar PV which only generates electricity. This system is provided by Naked Energy, a company supported through Barclays Sustainable Impact Capital investment.
The Vault
The existing vault in the banking hall has been retained and repurposed rather than removed and replaced. This is now the media room and podcast studio. Retaining the vault helped reduce construction waste associated with the project.
The entrance
The entrance doors have been designed and constructed to support increased energy efficiency in the building. Having multiple entrance doors improves air tightness and enhances building insultation and thermal performance, by reducing the heat escaping/entering when the doors and opening and closing.
Insulation
Insulation has been added to the roof and cavity wall to increase the thermal performance of the building. Typically 25% of heat is lost through the roof in a building that isn’t insulated.
Windows
All windows previously had single glazing which did not enable efficient heat retention for the building. All windows have been replaced with energy efficient glazing to help reduce the buildings heating requirements and energy consumption.
Smart heating
A smart heating, ventilation and air conditioning system has been installed to support improved management of the building temperature and help improve energy utilisation and consumption.
Waste
The ground floor toilets have been upgraded to include Propelair flush technology. These use up to 84% less water than a standard toilet system. This system operates using air technology and uses only 1.5 litres of water per flush, compared to the UK average of 9 litres.
Sound insulation
Sound insulation has been installed to the soffits (underside of the ceiling) on the ground floor. The insulation is made from 80% recycled paper.
Communications
Telephone booths and meeting pods are made in the UK from recycled materials. Each is made from over 800 recycled plastic bottles. The supplier has committed to planting 50 trees in Madagascar and donating 2 solar lamps to families in Zambia for every booth sold.
Showcase
The showcase area has been constructed using a decommissioned electric cargo bike and has been updated with shelving and adaptable elements constructed from recycled materials.
Lighting
Automatic lighting and blind controls have been fitted to regulate the level and quality of light in a given space, not only to enhance the users surroundings but to help reduce energy usage. Daylight sensors automatically adjust the blinds and overhead lights, while occupancy sensors turn off lights when a room is not in use.
Lab
Eagle Labs Cambridge
Cambridge is the home of innovation and to our flagship incubator where we actively support the thriving entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem.