Going green at Milton Keynes: Updates on our new green roof

In our continued commitment to reducing our environmental impact, we’ve partnered with one of the customers at our Milton Keynes Business Centre, Optigreen: a leading global provider of green roofs. The result? Our converted smoking shelter has been transformed with a brand-new living roof — bringing nature back into the workplace.

What is a green roof?

Also known as ‘vegetated roofs’ or ‘living roofs’, green roofs are installed with layer of vegetation installed over a waterproofing system, that sits on top of a flat or slightly sloped roof. According to the US General Services Administration (2022), these engineered ecosystems provide an array of environmental, social and economic benefits; from stormwater management to improved energy efficiency.

Green roofs enhance the appearance of a workspace and promote biodiversity, while also reducing the burden on urban drainage systems. For our customer, Optigreen, their goal is to develop innovative, sustainable systems that perform reliably, both ecologically and economically.

What are the benefits of a green roof?

The advantages of installing green roofs are numerous and long-lasting. According to Nick Day, Managing Director of Optigreen, green roofs offer direct environmental benefits that are especially valuable in urban spaces:

“They attenuate rainwater and slow down the run-off of surface water which helps to alleviate flood risk,” says Nick. In fact, green roofs can reduce stormwater runoff by up to 65%, helping to mitigate urban flooding, according to the GSA. He continues:

“They offer habitat for bees and other insects and invertebrates. They help to reduce the heat island effect in urban areas by evaporative cooling and protect the waterproofing beneath from UV exposure, thereby extending the life of the roof.”

However, additional benefits include:

• Ecological climate compensation: Green roofs help counteract the environmental impact of urban development, offering new habitats for flora and fauna while storing and slowly releasing rainwater to relieve urban drainage systems, Optigreen
• Improved energy efficiency: By providing natural insulation, green roofs reduce heating and cooling costs throughout the year.
• Aesthetic appeal: They add natural beauty and curb appeal, enhancing the overall value of business properties.

The Capital space team are particularly keen on the last one.

“The centre staff are very interested and engaged in its development and have been taking photos of it,” Nick added. “It has come into flower recently, which has been commented on. A few other tenants who know what we do have been asking questions — some even wondering if they could install one on small roofs they have at home.”

We look forward to seeing the green roof thrive through the seasons — a visual reminder of how sustainable choices can brighten up our business environments.

About Optigreen

Founded in Germany in the 1970s, Optigreen has been a pioneering force in green roof technology for nearly 50 years. Through its German parent company, the business offers industry-leading expertise across the full range of green roof solutions, including pitched green roofs, biosolar roofs (a combination of green roof and solar PV), and blue/green attenuation systems.

“We cover all bases when it comes to green roof requirements,” explains Nick. “From our Milton Keynes office, we service the whole of the UK and Ireland.”

Optigreen’s UK headquarters at Milton Keynes Business Centre provide the perfect base to collaborate with like-minded partners — including us!

“It’s very unusual to have a project right on our doorstep,” said Nick. “It’s great to be able to see the roof every time we arrive at the office.”

So how did the green roof idea come about?

“Matt Roberts, the centre manager, asked us about the feasibility of retrofitting a green roof to the shelter. He was converting the facility to a bike shelter. We worked with one of our partner contractors, Bridgman & Bridgman – who also happen to be our neighbours at the Milton Keynes Business Centre – to devise a suitable build-up for the roof. We were delighted to be able to help, and we’re now looking at some other potential green roof applications on the site with him.”

Capital Space continues eco-champion commitment

At Capital Space, we’re always looking for practical ways to help our customers succeed — including offering flexible, ESG-friendly workspace that supports both productivity and sustainability.

As part of our wider green commitment, we’ve taken numerous steps to reduce our environmental footprint, from installing energy-efficient systems to creating natural outdoor areas. Read more about our Green Policy and how it supports small businesses looking to align with ESG targets.

In another exciting development, we’ll also be submitting a planning application for two new mezzanine workshops featuring solar panels and dedicated EV chargers at our Milton Keynes site in response to local business demand. These units will offer modern, practical spaces for entrepreneurs, marking a first for Capital Space in this type of build. Stay tuned for updates once the application has been submitted.

Green roofing isn’t just a visual upgrade; it’s a smart, sustainable investment for any workspace.

If you’re looking for office space from a provider that wants to support your business success, get in touch