Scotland’s First BREEAM Outstanding Certified Office Building

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01 October 2025

CBRE Investment Management has transformed 30 Semple Street into a game-changer for sustainable offices in Scotland.

The building, situated in the Fountainbridge area of Edinburgh, Scotland, is the first office in the country to receive a BREEAM Outstanding certification.

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Picture: a photograph from the interior of the new building, with a sign saying "30 Semple Street" mounted on a tiled wall. Image Credit: MLA

With a BREEAM score of 93.2 per cent, 30 Semple Street is also Scotland’s highest-rated BREEAM building across all asset types. Globally, it’s the second-highest scoring refurbishment, according to the Building Research Establishment’s records. It has also achieved an EPC rating of A, a NABERS 5* score and a Platinum award for Air-Rated and Active Score. 

The project, led by Corran Properties for CBRE Investment Management and designed by MLA, has been praised for its focus on occupant wellbeing and environmental credentials during construction.

The original office building, known as Excel House, was built in 2021. Much of the existing frame was retained, reducing the project's embodied carbon, minimising construction waste, and reducing the requirement for new materials. By adopting this reuse method, the developers saved an estimated 3,300 tonnes of CO₂, over 50 per cent of the carbon that a full reconstruction would have required.

Two new floors were also added, alongside a contemporary glazed façade to let in natural light. A rooftop terrace provides panoramic views, and employees have access to extensive bike storage, high-quality showers, changing facilities and electric vehicle charging stations.

Current occupiers of the property include financial services consultancy Hymans Robertson, renewable energy operator Red Rock Power and most recently, accountancy firm BDO LLP, which has committed to a ten-year lease for an 8,176 sq ft space.

Picture: a photograph of the exterior of the building, showing its new façade. Image Credit: CBRE IM 

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 01 October 2025

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