Sustainable Construction

This plan is lead by:

• Ian Quayle, Assistant Director of Estates and Commercial Services

This plan is enabled by:

New builds are designed using the principles of low carbon, high energy efficiency and flexibility of use as a starting point. Building materials which are used for new builds and refurbishments are sustainable and selected for their contribution to the Carbon Net Zero target

UN SDGs

Targets and progress

Target

Targets are set by project, based on prevailing external benchmarks

Progress

Progress status: GREEN

This approach was adopted for the design and build for the new Woodlands Nursery and Forest School which opened in 2023.  This approach resulted in a carbon neutral building which uses PV pumps to generate electricity and heat pumps to provide both heating and cooling within a building which is largely constructed from timber.  The building has won two construction awards for its innovative approach to sustainability and contributing to a low carbon economy.

Benchmarks have been set for both the refurbishment and new-build elements of the new Student Village and Hub, which is currently out to procurement, with contract negotiations expected to be concluded in 2024.  Phase 1 of the new Student Village and the Hub are expected to open in 2026.

Operational priorities for 2023/24

Conclude the procurement exercise for the Student Village within the carbon targets set.