Sustainable building consulting helps property owners, developers and organisations design, deliver and operate buildings that minimise environmental impact, improve occupant well-being and meet sustainability standards. Our specialists guide you through every phase of your project or operations – from strategy through to practical implementation.

Using a sustainability and decarbonisation advisor and engineer like WSP optimises energy efficiency, embeds low-carbon tactics into building designs, reduces use of valuable resources such as water and supports people-centric spaces. We can help reduce whole life costs and enhance occupant health. Sustainable buildings can have higher market value, attract tenants and comply with environmental and building regulations. They can increase resilience to climate change, create long-term viability and can benefit society.

Highly sustainable buildings may carry modest cost uplifts, UKGBC research points to around 3.5% for offices and 6.2% for some residential developments in the UK. However, this early investment often pays back over time. Globally, office assets with green building certification have shown stronger financial performance, with average gross premiums ranging from 6-8% (rents) and 14-16% (capital values) over non-certified properties.

Beyond financial returns, sustainable buildings can reduce the risk of assets becoming stranded as environmental regulations tighten, while improving marketability and resilience. In short, while sustainability measures may incur a cost, the long term value, including financial, regulatory and reputational, can offset this investment.

Inspired by Kate Raworth’s “Doughnut Economics”, regenerative design goes beyond traditional sustainability by aiming to restore and enhance natural systems. Instead of simply limiting harm, this philosophy seeks to create positive impacts, regenerating ecosystems, improving biodiversity and strengthening community resilience. This approach considers the entire lifecycle of a project and its relationship with the environment, ensuring that human activity contributes to ecological health rather than depleting it.

We champion this approach by looking at projects, like Bow Goods Yard, through lenses such as climate resilience, resource efficiency and social value, ensuring designs actively improve ecological, social and economic outcomes. Our teams collaborate with clients to embed nature-based solutions, circular economy strategies and community engagement into every stage of development. This means projects not only meet today’s needs but leave a lasting, positive legacy for future generations.

We support a wide range of green building certifications, including WELL, BREEAM, Fitwel, Passive House, NABERS and many more. These certifications help buildings become not only environmentally friendly but also beneficial to the health and well-being of their occupants. Where appropriate our specialists will recommend the most suitable certification based on your project’s needs and goals.

We recommend engaging an expert as early as possible, ideally during the planning or schematic design phase. Early involvement means your sustainability goals are integrated from the start, maximising benefits and minimising costs. However, we can add value at any stage, including construction, post-occupancy or during retrofits.

Sustainable buildings offer lower operating costs, increased asset value, improved occupant health and enhanced reputation. They also help you comply with regulations, meet Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals and demonstrate your commitment to a better future.