A new speculative green office building on Cardiff's waterfront is set to save tenants over a third on running costs as well as reducing their carbon footprint.

The environmental credentials of the landmark 3 Assembly Square building prompted Minister for the Environment, Sustainability and Housing, Jane Davidson to pick up a shovel and mark the completion of the highest point of the construction.

She applauded the developer, Aviva for their commitment to helping Wales achieve its targeted 3% carbon emissions reduction each year from 2011.

The 66,250 sq ft building at the Cardiff Waterside estate is set to achieve BREEAM 'Excellent' status and its carbon footprint has been monitored by construction firm BAM since construction began almost a year ago.

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Designed by architects Scott Brownrigg and sustainability consultants Arup, the Grade A flexible office space on Britannia Quay has green design features which should see energy, water, maintenance and replacement running costs slashed by 34% overall against a comparable office building.

Water use will be reduced by 50% thanks to an underground water tank which harvests rain from the roof and distributes the inflow to serve toilets and energy costs will be cut by 35% due to a wood pellet burning biomass boiler.

The building also features chilled beams that cool the space without electrical air conditioning. Air circulates through the beams using the principles of natural heat convection. Chilled beams are low maintenance and require little added energy.

Joy McSmythurs, partner at Knight Frank LLP, which acts as investment and asset manager for Cardiff Waterside said: "The topping out ceremony marks a milestone in the development of Cardiff Waterside. 3 Assembly Square is the first step in the next phase of 550,000 sq ft development we are planning for the estate, so it is important that the building sets high standards in terms of design and sustainability.

"3 Assembly Square is unique in that it can help tenants cut their carbon footprints while saving valuable pounds on a daily, weekly and monthly basis due to the considerably reduced running costs achieved through the inclusion of these green features."

(CD/JM)