Sustainability

Art galleries are fundamentally energy intensive, but Tate recognises that this is no longer appropriate in the context of climate change. The design of a gallery for the twenty-first century must respond to this agenda.

Energy efficiency by design

A truly sustainable building that minimises its energy use and carbon footprint starts from its design. The form of the building and the materials used in construction play a very important role in defining the internal environment and the level of energy-intensive intervention required to maintain appropriate and comfortable internal conditions.

The original plans submitted, for which planning permission has already been granted proposed a glass-clad building. Improving energy efficiency was a key driver in these further developments to the proposed project, which crucially involve a revised cladding with an innovative and visually stunning pierced brick cladding.

The new building will therefore be a model of environmental sustainability, setting new benchmarks for museums and galleries in the UK. The building will draw the majority of its energy needs from heat emitted by EDFE’s transformers in the adjoining Switch House; energy that would otherwise be lost to the elements.

With a high thermal mass, natural ventilation where possible, and employing the stack effect of its vertical form, the new building will use 40% less energy and generate 35% less carbon than current building regulations demand.

Sustainability is a very broad subject and, although energy use is one of the most important issues, it is also important to consider the wider context: adaptability, materials, waste, transport, water and habitats.