Regenerative Twin shortlisted for Environmental Impact Award at 2025 Building Magazine Awards

The Regenerative Twin marks an ambitious step beyond conventional sustainability, exploring how construction projects can actively restore and regenerate natural and social ecosystems rather than merely reducing harm. Conducted over two years, the study set out to answer a fundamental question: What would happen if we re-thought procurement and design, putting regenerative principles before capital expenditure?

Using a secondary school in South Wales completed by Morgan Sindall Construction in 2021 as its test case, the team reimagined the project through a regenerative lens. The results were nothing short of remarkable.

• Whole-life carbon emissions could be reduced by 84%, while upfront embodied carbon fell by 66%.
• Annual energy consumption dropped by 45%
• Water use in materials manufacturing decreased by 90%.
• Impressively, whole-life costs were maintained at 95% of the original scheme, with any capital cost increases offset within 11 years.

Reflecting on the shortlisting, Philip Watson, Chair, Head of Design at HLM Architects, said:

“We’re absolutely delighted that the Regenerative Twin has been recognised in the Environmental Impact Award category. Building on our Circular Twin study – winner of the AJ100 Sustainability Initiative of the Year 2022 – this research represents an honest and brave exploration into how we can deliver truly regenerative design solutions that go beyond traditional sustainability.

Being shortlisted is a celebration of the power of collaboration, creativity, and shared purpose across our industry. It highlights what’s possible when clients, designers, engineers, and manufacturers come together to reimagine how we build – restoring ecosystems, strengthening communities, and creating long-term value. Studies like this are vital if we’re to shift from reducing harm to actively giving back to the environment and society, and we’re proud to be part of that movement. As a practice, we are embracing regenerative design.”

“Being shortlisted for the Environmental Impact Award is a fantastic recognition of the bold thinking and collaboration behind the Regenerative Twin”, said Juliana Renn, Head of Sustainability. “This research shows that regenerative construction isn’t just an aspiration – it’s achievable, measurable, and impactful. It’s inspiring to see what can be accomplished when sustainability is approached creatively, with the whole lifecycle and community in mind. We hope this milestone encourages the industry to push boundaries, embrace innovation, and think bigger about the positive impact our buildings can have on people and the planet.”

“The studies’ outcomes highlight what’s possible when we think beyond conventional sustainability,” said Tim Clement, Director of Social Value & Sustainability at Morgan Sindall Construction. “We want to challenge the status quo and inspire debate – and believe the results demonstrate that regenerative construction is a helpful ambition to work towards.”

Shaping a built environment that gives back more than it takes

The Regenerative Twin exemplifies our ongoing commitment to shaping a built environment that gives back more than it takes – environmentally, socially, and economically. This commitment has also been recognized as a Front Runner in the ‘Co-evolving with Nature’ category by the Regenerative Architecture Index, curated by Architecture Today. The Co-evolving with Nature category highlights practices that design in partnership with ecological systems. This recognition is a testament to the passion and commitment of our teams in creating places that not only serve people but also support and restore the natural environment.

ROOT Initiative

The Regenerative Twin has also led to the ‘ROOT’ initiative with Wood Knowledge Wales which aims to deliver transformation of construction practices by championing regenerative materials from supply chain to site.

The initiative runs from 2025-2028 and focuses on developing new models for procurement and building, via a transformational hub curated by Woodknowledge Wales. It will unite innovators across construction sectors to explore and promote the use of regenerative materials in non-residential buildings.

We’re delighted to see the Regenerative Twin recognised across the industry. At HLM, we are creating a sustainable, resilient built environment for future generations. Our aim is simple – to embrace regenerative design principles and create meaningful, lasting change. Our contribution to a world where people and nature can thrive together.

Thoughtful Design. It’s in our nature.

Read more about the research process and outcomes here – Regenerative Twin – Regenerative Twin

Good luck to all the finalists at this year’s Building Awards, we look forward to a fantastic evening of celebrations.