9A Margaret Street - Net Zero Audit

Neual undertook a detailed energy audit and retrofit analysis of a four‑storey, early‑1900s office building occupied by Langham Estates in Fitzrovia, London. The site is predominantly electrically heated and cooled, with only one remaining operational gas boiler, and had experienced a sharp increase in electricity consumption between 2022 and 2023.

Scope and approach The works included an on‑site engineering audit, review of metered electricity and gas data, assessment of building fabric, HVAC systems, lighting, controls and electrical infrastructure, and comparison against industry benchmarks and CRREM decarbonisation pathways. Findings were supplemented existing client data and scenario modelling from Map Mortar software to test optimised management and retrofit options.

Analysis and recommendations Key issues identified were poor fabric performance, lack of centralised controls, high corridor heating set points, and outdated lighting and electrical systems. The proposed strategy focused on low‑cost operational improvements (temperature set point reduction and improved controls), LED lighting upgrades, selective glazing improvements, electrification via high‑efficiency heat pumps, and removal of the final gas boiler, supported by a small rooftop PV system.

Outcomes The pathway proposed demonstrated a reduction in annual energy use from ~270,000 kWh to ~140,000 kWh, equating to a 48% energy saving and removal of all on‑site gas consumption. Operational carbon emissions are reduced from ~41 tCO₂/yr to ~21 tCO₂/yr (≈48%), using 2024 UK carbon factors.

Costs and value Indicative capital costs for the full package are £225k–£338k, with simple payback of ~21 years. Critically, the retrofit pathway allows the asset to meet CRREM‑aligned decarbonisation targets beyond 2040, reducing long‑term transition risk while significantly improving energy performance and comfort.