McLaren hits net zero target at Sherburn42

Delivering the 660,000 sq ft logistics project for Firethorn, McLaren Construction said that sustainability goals have been surpassed at the Yorkshire development.

Adjacent to the Sherburn Enterprise Park, Sherburn42 is a 37-acre development comprising four units ranging from 57,750 sq ft to 280,000 sq ft.

Colliers, Lambert Smith Hampton and Carter Towler are agents on the project.

McLaren’s North & Midlands division was appointed by asset manager Firethorn  Trust to build the scheme out. Cain International owns the site.

The design focused on helping occupiers reach operational sustainability targets, and it has now been confirmed that the project will be accredited net-zero carbon in construction by the UK Green Building Council.

Set to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating, the logistical hub features EV charging, full PV coverage and LED office lighting, alongside 4MvApower.

The Engineering Services Consultancy was appointed by McLaren Construction Midlands and North to undertake a whole life embodied carbon assessment of the build at as-built RIBA Stage 5.

The subsequent report showed that the contractor surpassed its project target of 550 kgCO₂e/m², achieving 458.32 kgCO₂e/m².

Gary Cramp, managing director of McLaren Construction Midlands & North, said: “We’re proud to announce that our team has surpassed net zero carbon targets for this pivotal Leeds scheme.

“Our project team worked hard to ensure the most sustainable materials were specified, liaising closely with our supply chain. While championing sustainability for the build through the reduction of embodied carbon in the project, we’ve also managed to ensure the offset payment is as low as possible for our client, Firethorn, of which we have a fantastic relationship.

“Now complete, Sherburn42 will provide incredible opportunities for the region’s workforce, allowing occupiers of all sizes – from multi-national distributors to small and medium-sized enterprises, an attractive, fit-for-purpose, sustainable workspace, providing a head start on achieving their own net zero targets.”

Rhiannon Butcher, sustainability manager of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “Firethorn was the first industrial and logistics project in McLaren Construction, to achieve net zero carbon in construction. We were able to reduce the embodied carbon in construction and meet the client’s target in part through a high use of cement replacement.

“The project team worked hard to collate all of the data required for this assessment, and it has been a learning process for us. As-built assessments will become more commonplace, especially as McLaren Construction works towards its own net zero carbon in construction goals.”

Hugo Briars, development manager at Firethorn Trust, commented: “It has been a pleasure working in close collaboration with McLaren Construction, whose team clearly shares our passion for sustainability.

“Their knowledge, professionalism and commitment to quality and innovation has enabled us to exceed our environmental aspirations for Sherburn42, which we have developed on behalf of the site owner, Cain International.”

Sherburn42’s proximity to junction 42 A1 (M) provides direct connections to Leeds, the M1, M62 and the Humber ports.