Vertex Pharmaceuticals, a global biotechnology leader, operates a cutting-edge research facility in Abingdon, Oxfordshire. Located at Milton Park, this site plays a pivotal role in Vertex's global mission to develop transformative therapies for serious genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis.
The Abingdon team drives research innovation, leveraging the UK’s scientific expertise to advance medicines from discovery to patient care. As part of its commitment to improving lives, Vertex continues to invest in its Abingdon operations, ensuring the development of life-changing therapies for patients worldwide.
- Milton Park is one of the UK’s largest single-ownership innovation communities, covering nearly 3 million square feet and housing over 250 organisations.
- The site accommodates 190 employees.
- Vertex has been located at Milton Park since 1998, serving as the company’s designated European R&D base.
- Vertex’s Oxford-based Learning Lab offers internship programs aimed at inspiring young people.
Our Role
BWB provided a comprehensive Carbon Reduction Study to explore energy efficiency improvements for Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ Abingdon facility. Using a fabric-first approach, we evaluated how optimising the building’s fabric could reduce energy use, carbon emissions, and operational costs before upgrading mechanical or electrical systems.
Carbon Reduction Study
The study utilised ApacheSim Dynamic Simulation Modelling (DSM) to calculate the energy performance and carbon emissions of the existing building. Five scenarios were assessed, ranging from individual fabric enhancements to holistic improvements across external walls, glazing, roof, and ground floor insulation.
Cost Saving Benefits
Scenario 5, which involved improving all building fabric elements to align with Part L 2021 limiting U-values, demonstrated the most substantial benefits, reducing heat loss by 238.06 kW (36.39%) and predicting annual savings of £13,102.
Actionable Simulations
Assessing and modelling an existing building required detailed analysis of its original fabric and systems. The variability in fabric conditions and limitations of historical data posed challenges for accurate simulation.
BWB’s detailed approach ensured a robust baseline scenario from which realistic and achievable energy-saving measures were proposed. By simulating multiple scenarios, we provided the client with clear, actionable insights into optimising the building’s energy performance.