As sustainability becomes an increasingly central focus for businesses and investors, commercial properties in the UK are setting new benchmarks for eco-friendly design and operations.

From energy-efficient construction to cutting-edge renewable energy solutions, the greenest commercial buildings offer both environmental benefits and financial rewards. Here’s a look at the top 5 greenest commercial properties in the UK, showcasing how sustainability and innovation are transforming the country’s real estate landscape.

1. The Edge – London

Often heralded as one of the world’s greenest buildings, The Edge in London is a shining example of how sustainable architecture can transform the commercial sector. Developed by Deloitte, this building has set global standards in energy efficiency and smart technology.

Green Credentials:

The Edge is powered primarily by renewable energy, with rooftop solar panels generating much of the building’s electricity.
An advanced smart lighting system uses LED lights that are connected to the building's central nervous system, automatically adjusting lighting levels based on the availability of natural light and occupancy.
The building has achieved a BREEAM Outstanding rating, the highest possible in the world, scoring an unprecedented 98.36%.

Innovative Features:

The building is loaded with smart technology, including thousands of sensors monitoring everything from lighting and heating to humidity. Employees can control their immediate environment (e.g., desk temperature and light) through a mobile app, reducing unnecessary energy consumption. This tech-forward approach has made The Edge a blueprint for future eco-friendly commercial spaces.

2. One Angel Square – Manchester

One Angel Square in Manchester, the headquarters of The Co-operative Group, is another leading example of sustainable commercial development in the UK. This award-winning building is recognized for its commitment to low carbon emissions and high energy efficiency.

Green Credentials:

It is powered by biomass and rapeseed oil, with surplus energy fed back into the national grid.
The building has an energy performance certificate (EPC) A+ rating, one of the highest in Europe.
Designed with a double-skinned façade, One Angel Square maximizes natural light and provides insulation, reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling.

Innovative Features:

One Angel Square has a system that recycles waste heat from IT servers to help warm the building. Its natural ventilation system and advanced insulation minimize energy consumption, making it one of the most efficient office buildings in the UK.

3. 7 More London Riverside – London

Located on the South Bank of the Thames, 7 More London Riverside stands out as one of the most sustainable commercial buildings in the capital. The building is home to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and exemplifies green design and energy efficiency in a high-density urban setting.

Green Credentials:

Achieved a BREEAM Outstanding rating, with a focus on energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction.
The building utilizes ground-source heat pumps to regulate heating and cooling, significantly lowering energy use.
Rooftop photovoltaic panels contribute to its renewable energy sources, helping the building achieve a near-zero carbon footprint.

Innovative Features:

Sustainability is woven into the day-to-day operations at 7 More London Riverside. The building uses greywater recycling systems to minimize water waste and features green roofs to manage rainwater runoff, enhance biodiversity, and improve air quality.

4. The Crystal – London

The-Crystal-City-Hall-London — Image source: Ian Hughes https://flickr.com/photos/53726379@N00/27265775033

A unique icon on London’s Royal Victoria Docks, The Crystal is one of the most sustainable buildings not only in the UK but globally. Initially developed by Siemens, The Crystal was designed as an urban sustainability centre and now serves as a hub for sustainable innovation.

Green Credentials:

It operates entirely on renewable energy, with a combination of solar power and ground-source heat pumps meeting the building’s heating and cooling needs.
The building has achieved BREEAM Outstanding and LEED Platinum certifications, the highest possible standards for green buildings.
It recycles up to 90% of the rainwater it collects, significantly reducing water usage.

Innovative Features:

The Crystal is a living showcase of sustainable technologies. It uses LED lighting throughout and employs smart building management systems that monitor energy use in real-time, automatically optimizing energy efficiency. The building also has an integrated rainwater harvesting system, providing water for flushing toilets and landscape irrigation.

5. Bloomberg European HQ – London

Bloomberg's European Headquarters in the City of London is widely considered one of the greenest buildings in the UK. Opened in 2017, the building has won multiple sustainability awards and is a testament to eco-friendly, large-scale commercial design.

Green Credentials:

The building has achieved the highest-ever BREEAM Outstanding score for a commercial building, with an impressive 98.5% rating.
Bloomberg HQ is designed to be 35% more energy-efficient than comparable buildings, thanks to its innovative design and technologies.
It incorporates a high-tech water conservation system, reducing potable water use by 73% compared to similar office buildings.

Innovative Features:

Key features include an innovative natural ventilation system that circulates fresh air through the building, a rainwater collection system that feeds into cooling systems and toilets, and energy-efficient lighting systems that reduce the building’s overall power consumption. The building's focus on sustainability extends to its construction materials, many of which are responsibly sourced and have a low environmental impact.

These five commercial properties exemplify how the UK is leading the way in sustainable architecture and design. With buildings like The Edge, One Angel Square, and The Crystal setting global benchmarks, it's clear that the future of commercial property lies in sustainability. As businesses, governments, and developers continue to prioritize green construction, we can expect even more eco-friendly innovation in the years to come, driving both environmental benefits and economic growth.

By integrating renewable energy, reducing carbon footprints, and using smart technologies to manage resources efficiently, these commercial buildings are not just green—they’re paving the way for a more sustainable, responsible future for property development in the UK.

Onyx Property Finance are experts in providing financial solutions for all types of projects - many of which have beautiful gardens adding to their sales values. Speak to an expert today and get your project up and running before you know it: info@onyxmoney.co.uk.

We are dedicated to keeping on top of market trends and ensuring our customers are kept informed of any changes that might affect their borrowing, projects, and investments – see our blog for all the latest insights.