For a long time, architects, developers, and builders concerned about climate change have focused almost exclusively on making buildings energy efficient, to reduce the need for fossil fuels to heat, cool, and power them. M&S’ struggle to demolish reflects a revolution currently taking place across the construction sector. In June, he called a public inquiry into the plan, scheduled for October. In an unprecedented move, in April, the U.K.’s housing minister ordered a halt to M&S’ demolition while the government considers evidence over their redevelopment’s carbon footprint. “Buildings are resources that we need to value: whether it’s a nice art deco structure or a pretty grim 1970s block, is not the point.” “We can’t continue to develop in a 20th century fashion,” says Simon Sturgis, an architect and environmental consultant. Unnecessary demolitions and re-builds, they argue, aren’t compatible with the U.K.’s target to rapidly cut greenhouse gas emissions by 78% by 2035, and reach net-zero by 2050. Critics say M&S-as the retailer is affectionately known in the U.K.-is about to throw away a perfectly good set of buildings (three make up the site, built in the 1930s, ‘60s and ‘80s), which could be refurbished instead. And you also need lots of fossil-fueled energy to transport and assemble them. To build a new building, you need materials like steel and concrete, the production of which releases vast amounts of carbon dioxide. A group of architects and local activists have mobilized to save the store-not because it’s beautiful, or historic, or even particularly beloved. Marks and Spencer, a British retail giant famous for high quality groceries and affordable homeware, wants to knock down its flagship store and replace it with a shiny new one. An unusual conservation battle is brewing on Oxford Street, London’s busy shopping avenue.
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