7 More London is the first BREEAM 'outstanding' building in London.

The international BREEAM standard, with the 'Outstanding' rating as the top prize, is the highest accolade for excellent practice in sustainable design and environmental performance for buildings. The site at 7 More London had to meet or exceed a difficult 85% score against exacting criteria, which included environmental advances including the use of 80% recycled aggregate in the concrete and the recycling of waste heat to cool and warm the building.

Roger Reeves, partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP commented: “We had the opportunity with the design process for the building, to take a blank sheet of paper and raise the bar, both for ourselves and others, in the environmental and sustainability performance of office buildings. This assessment sends a really clear message that planning for the sustainable use of resources, in detail and right through the process, can make good business sense."

Bob Spittle, chairman of environmental engineering at BDP said: “This major achievement emerged from the sheer determination of PwC to set a new standard in office design. Initially, we were aiming for the BREEAM ‘Excellent' rating, however during the fit out design we could see the opportunity to lead and innovate, and we set ourselves the target to secure the BREEAM ‘Outstanding' rating. You have got to be determined to set and achieve these new standards; involve people early on and make sure the support of your developer, contractors and design team matches the vision of your clients.”

The building's shell is now complete and is currently being fitted out internally. It is due for full occupation in early 2011. 5500 people will be based in the ten-storey building, which will feature four restaurants, 240 cycle spaces, a roof terrace, on-site energy generation facilities using recycled cooking oil and the use of solar thermal panels.