Here + Now, Reading

Formerly part of the Microsoft campus, Here + Now is a major refurbishment of Buildings 4 and 5 at Thames Valley Park, Reading developed by V7 to create a new healthy, sustainable and aspirational workplace destination.

Element Four worked with the design and construction team from the outset, establishing a sustainability plan to achieve numerous environmental, social and governance wins.

Here + Now will be the first commercial development in the world to achieve Fitwel 3-Star certification, BREEAM Outstanding and RESET Air certification all at once. The buildings will also ensure they achieve whole life net carbon zero. We will provide companies and individuals with a healthy environment in which to thrive. This project is setting a new standard for business park buildings; providing companies and individuals with a healthy, connected and efficient environment in which to thrive. 

Both Here + Now buildings are targeted to achieve maximum credits in the BREEAM ‘Transport’ and ‘Land Use & Ecology’ sections. Innovative features include a cycle maintenance area, wash station and electric bike charging.  Beehives are being introduced as part of a long term management plan to support a positive long term impact on biodiversity.

The health, fitness and community of building users is prioritised through a number of initiatives, including internal and external gyms, outdoor cinema, café with healthy food and beverage policy, a walking trail and restorative garden and a community hub with full-time manager.

To measure and be transparent about the building impacts and performance, Element Four also supported the team to share building data and lessons learned with LETI (London Energy Transformation Initiative), contributing to industry learning and enabling a faster route to achieve global sustainability goals.