Adaptive reuse in action for COP goals.
In the spirit of this year’s COP themes, we've collated real examples across education, science, industry, nature, cities and community to show how adaptive reuse and low-carbon design can deliver real immediate benefits at scale.
Education
In Manchester, a former Students’ Union is now a world-class learning and research hub, proving that reuse can deliver future-ready education with a fraction of the carbon and material impact.
Energy & Industry
Our Making Old Buildings Carbon Neutral report outlines how low-energy retrofit and responsible material choices can meaningfully decarbonise existing assets.
Nature & Land Use
Castlefield Viaduct has become a biodiverse elevated park, limiting sprawl, protecting ecosystems and reconnecting communities with nature.
Cities, Built Environment & Transport
In Exeter, our proposal to repurpose vacant retail units into a city-centre school and community hub demonstrates how reuse can create a true “learning oasis” in the urban core.
Resilience & Adaptation
The rapid transformation of six NHS Nightingale Hospitals showed us why flexible, adaptive buildings are foundational to emergency response and societal resilience.
Human Rights & Indigenous Peoples
Toronto’s Indigenous Hub illustrates what culturally grounded, community-led design can achieve when identity, reconciliation and wellbeing guide the brief.
Water Systems
At Manchester Town Hall, circular water systems now recycle enough rainwater annually to fill an Olympic swimming pool three times over.
Multilevel Action, Regions & Local Government
Plymouth Civic Centre demonstrates how local authorities can lead urban renewal by transforming a listed landmark into a vibrant, low-carbon mixed-use destination.
Science, Innovation & Digital
Our Retrofitting for Science insight shows how reimagined laboratories can cut carbon while setting new standards for sustainable research environments.
Across all sectors and regions, our multidisciplinary teams are advancing the change COP calls for: accelerating climate action, strengthening communities, protecting ecosystems and extending the life of our cities.