CASE STUDY

Modernised warehouse exceeds EPC targets following strategic retrofit

SITE

620 Solar Park

LOCATION

Solihull, Birmingham

SIZE

2300 m2

CONSULTANCY TYPE

MEP design + retrofit

Resero delivered a highly effective retrofit at Solar Park, exceeding expectations by achieving an EPC A rating. Their strategic approach, technical expertise, and commitment to long-term value made a clear commercial impact – modernising the asset, improving energy performance, and attracting tenant interest even before completion.


Pamela Rarity

Senior Asset Manager at Aberdeen

THE TASK

Aberdeen appointed Resero as the Mechanical, Electrical and Public Health (MEP) services consultant for a significant refurbishment project in Solihull. The project involved a large vacant warehouse with office space, and required a landlord Category A upgrade. The main goals were to prepare the property for re-letting, improve its energy performance, and ensure future adaptability.


An initial development brief had been prepared by Aberdeen’s EPC Bureau and EPC/MEES data managers, EDGE APM. Resero’s remit was to take these concepts through to the technical design and construction stages supporting Savills, the project manager.


Initial objectives and strategy

Initially, amongst other things, the target was to achieve an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of 'B' to meet emerging Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). However, using advanced IES modelling to support Resero’s technical design identified the opportunity to aim for an even higher rating, an EPC 'A'. This would enhance the building's value and operational efficiency by integrating low-carbon technologies into the design.


Resero’s technical design included:

  • Removing gas-based heating systems
  • Installing efficient air conditioning
  • Implementing smart LED lighting with controls
  • Adding EV charging infrastructure
  • Installing a rooftop solar PV array


OUR APPROACH

Feasibility and strategic planning

We began by conducting detailed site inspections to validate legacy systems and gather accurate, asset-specific data. This ensured interventions were targeted, proportionate, and avoided unnecessary complexity. In parallel, we carried out solar PV feasibility modelling which took into account shading, structure, orientation, and long-term yield to support evidence-based decision-making from day one.


A key part of the process was assessing whether existing MEP systems should be retained or replaced. This was achieved through condition-based evaluations and benchmarked against industry-standard lifecycle guidance., This ensured that choices were not solely driven by EPC goals, but also by long-term operational value.



The result was a phased and costed upgrade plan, aligned to both energy performance targets and commercial priorities.

Design and specification

With the strategy agreed, Resero advanced the project to RIBA Stage 4A, producing coordinated M&E specifications aligned with EPC modelling. An important part of the design process included factoring in the removal of redundant equipment left by the previous tenant to help create a cleaner and more flexible workspace. Outdated gas-fired systems were replaced with energy-efficient air conditioning, while smart lighting with occupancy controls, EV charging infrastructure, and a structurally integrated rooftop solar PV system were all integrated. 

Delivery and handover

Throughout the construction process, we maintained an active on-site role to oversee quality and technical compliance, ensuring all designs were delivered in accordance with modelling outcomes. This was to ensure that the lodged EPC accurately reflected the predicted performance. Particular focus was given to the rooftop PV system, including structural load assessments to manage risk. Following completion, we delivered a structured three-month handover, managing commissioning, verifying system performance, and supporting operational integration. This approach ensured all systems functioned as intended and asset-level energy data remained consistent post-handover.

OUTCOMES

The refurbishment successfully achieved an EPC 'A' rating, surpassing the original target of a 'B'. The upgrades implemented not only modernised the building’s systems but also created a cleaner, more flexible space by removing redundant plant and repurposing existing infrastructure where possible.


These improvements had an immediate market impact. Even before works were completed, prospective tenants expressed interest in the building, and on completion, the unit was successfully re-let and subsequently sold.