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Best engineering consultancy at Life Sciences and Research Clusters Awards 2025

Ƶ was named Best Engineering Consultancy at the 2025 Life Sciences and Research Clusters Awards, recognising our pioneering work across the UK’s key science and technology clusters, where we continue to deliver world-class buildings and ecosystems that inspire collaboration and drive discovery.

The judges commended the entry with high praise, stating: “A very strong and impactful entry, underpinned by a robust and diverse portfolio spanning both new-build and retrofit projects. The submission clearly demonstrated measurable benefits, with quantifiable evidence of impact across its work. Particularly impressive was the practice’s influence as a specialist discipline, with meaningful contributions to key sector initiatives such as the Net Zero Carbon Building Standard and the Labs2Zero programme, highlighting its leadership and commitment to driving progress across the industry.” 

The submission clearly demonstrated measurable benefits, with quantifiable evidence of impact.

Comment from the judges

An exemplary project that we highlighted is One North Quay, which is Europe’s tallest laboratory building. Designed with cutting-edge MEP, sustainability, and laboratory planning strategies, this vertical campus sets new benchmarks for energy efficiency and collaboration. Through innovative HVAC systems and a distributed MEP strategy, the building is one of the largest all-electric lab facilities in the world, achieving a 50% reduction in projected embodied carbon. 

Close up visualisation of the architecture on One North Quay in London
One North Quay, London UK. Image: Kiasm.

Proven impact and sustainable outcomes 

Our work with the Francis Crick Institute exemplifies our strategic approach to sustainability. By developing a robust Net Zero Carbon pathway aligned with UKGBC frameworks, we helped the institute achieve a 20% reduction in carbon emissions and an 8% drop in energy consumption over four years. 

We’ve also maintained a 100% planning success rate across major projects, including Vitrum, District East, and  Cambridge Science Park, demonstrating our ability to navigate complex planning environments with precision and collaboration. 

From integrating multi-parametric sustainability frameworks at  440 Cambridge Science Park  to designing energy-positive labs like  One Helix, our use of emerging technologies continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in life sciences infrastructure. 

Our commitment to sustainability is embedded in everything we do, as reflected in our 2024 Global ESG Report and our active role in shaping industry standards through initiatives like the UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard Ի L2ܱ.&Բ;

Unit 440 Cambridge Science Park. Image Allies and Morrison.

Through collaboration with clients, architects, contractors, and industry bodies, we’re creating spaces that support scientific progress and environmental responsibility. 

Richard Walder, Partner

Richard Walder, Partner at Ƶ, said: “This award is a testament to our extensive work and impact in the Science and Technology sector, spanning new builds, fit-outs, refurbishments, and advisory services across projects of all scales. It also specifically acknowledges our industry-wide contribution to sustainability in laboratory design. 

“Through collaboration with clients, architects, contractors, and industry bodies, we’re advancing engineering best practices and creating spaces that support scientific progress and environmental responsibility. 

“We’re honoured to receive this recognition and remain committed to delivering engineering solutions that shape a more sustainable, innovative future for life sciences.”  

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