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 perforated 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 a substantial amount 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 54% less energy and generate 44% 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.