Client Name: We Are 336
Type of Project: Simplified Building Energy Model
Location: 336 Brixton Road, London
Scope of Energy Audit
Sustain Quality was commissioned to conduct a Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM) Report for We Are 336, a charitable organisation providing affordable and accessible workspace to community-focused groups, particularly those supporting disabled individuals and carers. The building, a seven-storey Brutalist structure originally built in the late 1960s and refurbished in the 1980s, is located in a conservation area and includes conference rooms, meeting spaces, and commercial kitchens.
This project aimed to assess the building’s current energy performance and propose a phased strategy to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, aligned with the Energy Hierarchy.
Tools for Implementation
The audit was informed by a site survey, client-provided documentation, and planning drawings. A baseline SBEM model was developed to simulate the building’s energy performance under current conditions and two improvement scenarios:
Route to EPC C:
• Increase roof insulation (100–200mm)
• Replace single-glazed windows with double-glazed alternatives
Route to EPC B (building on Route to C):
• Install photovoltaic panels
• Replace gas heating with an air source heat pump (ASHP) system
Please refer to our section on SBEM for further information.
Challenges for Task
The project faced several challenges stemming from the building’s age, architectural style, and conservation status.
The structure incorporates a mix of construction types and glazing conditions, which required detailed and accurate modelling to reflect its true thermal performance. The building’s location within a conservation area, along with its locally listed front façade, imposed restrictions on the scope of external alterations. Additionally, partial energy efficiency upgrades—such as the installation of double-glazed windows in some areas—necessitated a nuanced and selective approach to avoid redundant or unnecessary interventions.
Solutions to Task
To address these challenges, a phased and detailed SBEM modelling strategy was adopted, allowing each intervention to be evaluated independently and cumulatively. The report followed a “fabric first” approach, recommending enhancements such as increased roof insulation and upgraded glazing, followed by the integration of low-carbon technologies including photovoltaic panels and an air source heat pump system. These solutions not only improved the building’s energy efficiency but also aligned with conservation requirements and existing infrastructure.
Key Project Achievements
As a result of these interventions, the building’s Energy Performance Asset Rating improved significantly—from 98D to 69C under the first phase, and further to 35B with the full implementation of all measures. Overall, the project achieved a reduction of 146,267 kWh in energy consumption and 33,239 kg in carbon emissions, providing We Are 336 with a clear and practical roadmap toward net-zero readiness.
Benefits for Clients
The audit provided We Are 336 with a clear, phased roadmap to improve energy efficiency and reduce operational costs. The recommendations are tailored to the building’s structure, usage, and conservation constraints, ensuring practical implementation.
While the ASHP installation increases electricity use, it eliminates gas consumption, aligning with net-zero goals. The combined approach of fabric improvements and renewable technologies ensures long-term sustainability and resilience.