The Government Property Agency has appointed Mace to deliver the new headquarters of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) at the University of Reading Whiteknights campus.

Appointed through the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) framework, Mace will be responsible for constructing the state-of-the-art building, which will serve as a global hub for weather and climate research.

The new headquarters will feature a range of advanced facilities, including modern workspaces, meeting rooms, a lecture theatre, a council chamber, and an interactive weather room. The building’s design incorporates a strong emphasis on sustainability, with features such as optimised solar shading and energy-efficient systems to align with the 2030 LETI (Low Energy Transformation Initiative) standards for operational energy.

This project marks a significant step forward in enhancing the capabilities of the ECMWF in its crucial work of providing accurate weather forecasts and climate information.

Georgina Dunn, Interim Director of Capital Projects at the GPA, said: “The new ECMWF headquarters will not only advance capabilities in weather and climate research but also bring significant benefits to the local community. By prioritising both embodied and operational carbon reductions, this project exemplifies our commitment to both sustainable development and scientific innovation.”

Located next to the University of Reading’s renowned Department of Meteorology, the new ECMWF headquarters will accommodate up to 300 scientists and staff to support world-leading work on all aspects of weather prediction systems, forecast production, and research into climate change.

Rob Lemming, Managing Director, Public Sector and Life Sciences, Construction, UK at Mace, added: “This new state-of-the-art weather centre will be a global hub for scientists to advance numerical weather prediction and inform the fight against climate change. Our focus on sustainability and innovation for this project will help the new headquarters meet the highest environmental standards.

“Every design decision has been driven by our commitment to reducing carbon emissions, in both operational and embodied carbon. This project exemplifies our dedication to creating a more sustainable future.”

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