Achieving net zero from day one required more than just efficient systems. It required those systems to work together. Vanti’s integrated approach has given us a building that not only meets ambitious sustainability targets but is designed to keep improving in operation.”
Square Feet
INDUSTRY
PROJECT TYPE
HBD Island is a 100,000 sq ft, 10-storey Grade A commercial development in Manchester, delivered as a £66m project with ambitious sustainability and operational targets from day one.
The challenge was not simply to deliver a high-performing building, but to do so in a way that avoided the fragmentation and siloes that often undermine long-term asset performance. With multiple building systems, future tenant flexibility, and demanding ESG targets in play, HBD required a technology strategy that could support both immediate operational needs and long-term adaptability.
The objectives were clear:
“For us, the real value was having immediate access to reliable building data and an infrastructure that tenants can plug into without compromise. Vanti’s integrated approach means occupiers can connect their own facilities management and optimisation systems from day one, without rework or added risk.”
Vanti was appointed as Master Systems Integrator, responsible for defining and delivering a unified technology strategy that brought together IT, OT, building systems, and operational platforms into a single, secure environment.
Working closely with HBD, CBRE, and the wider project team, Vanti’s role was to remove complexity, eliminate duplication, and ensure that all systems were designed to work together from the outset. This included the design, delivery, and integration of the converged digital infrastructure underpinning the building, as well as the platforms used to operate and optimise it.
At the heart of HBD Island is a secure, converged digital infrastructure designed to support all building systems and future tenant technologies without vendor lock-in.
This architecture was deliberately designed to remain open, scalable, and adaptable, ensuring the building can evolve as tenant needs, regulations, and technologies change.
A virtualised server and storage environment supporting building systems and operational platforms
Ten Beckhoff area controllers forming the backbone of the building control architecture
Integration of multiple subsystems including BMS, lighting, access control, metering, and energy monitoring
Integration with Facilio to support Virgin Media O2’s workplace and operational requirements
Deployment of Smart Core, Vanti’s open building operating system, providing a single operational environment across systems
Delivery of Smart Core Connect for video management systems, marking only the second deployment of this capability in the UK
HBD Island now sets a new benchmark for net-zero commercial development in Manchester.
The technology is embedded seamlessly into the building, providing a strong digital foundation without imposing complexity on users or operators. Tenants benefit from a building equipped with the infrastructure and integration required to support modern workplace technologies as part of their own fit-out strategies. Landlords gain confidence that the asset can adapt over time without disruptive or costly rework.
For building operators, the converged approach delivers a single, coherent view of building performance, enabling more efficient operations, faster issue resolution, and data-led optimisation as the building moves from design intent into live operation.
100,000 sq ft
Grade A commercial development
Net Zero Carbon
From day one
46% reduction in energy use
compared to the 2020 benchmark
5-star NABERS Design review achieved
targeting 5.5 stars in operation
60% pre-let
to Virgin Media O2 prior to practical completion
Over 50% reduction
in operator workstations
through integrated operations
Single converged infrastructure
supporting all building systems
As sustainability targets tighten and tenant expectations continue to rise, commercial buildings must be designed to improve over time, not stand still.
HBD Island demonstrates how a platform-based, integrated approach to building technology can deliver measurable ESG outcomes today while protecting long-term asset value. By breaking down siloes between systems and embedding integration at the core of the design, the project provides a resilient foundation for future occupiers, operators, and regulatory change.
Discover how Vanti delivered integrated smart building technology at HBD Island, creating a connected, future-ready commercial environment through seamless systems integration.
