Sustainability
The proposals will deliver a low carbon, best-in-class sustainable campus. We are targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent rating’ as a minimum, with the aim of achieving an Outstanding rating. BREEAM is a world leading method used for assessing the sustainability in construction. The process measures the potential environmental, social and economic sustainability of new buildings from construction to use.
The scheme will be designed to reduce carbon emissions in accordance with policy guidance, and will include the following features:
Holistic Sustainability
Low Embodied Carbon
Circular Economy & Waste
Net Zero Carbon Operational Energy
Climate Resilience
Wellbeing & Social Value
Water Management
Biodiversity
Low Carbon Mobility
Circular Economy & Waste
The campus will be designed for adaptability, flexibility, longevity, and deconstruction. Circular economy principles will be applied to all aspects of design, construction, and operation. This will include prioritising low embodied carbon materials and minimising quantities used. Locally sourced materials will be used whenever possible and waste will be minimised by recycling and reusing materials.
Passive design principles to minimise energy demand and support employee wellbeing
A fabric first approach will be applied, which is a passive design method that involves using optimal building materials to ensure low amounts of energy use in operation. The layout of the new buildings will be designed to consider orientation that allows for good lighting and the potential for natural ventilation.
The aim is to create a comfortable internal environment that promotes employee health and wellbeing impacts for employees, whilst reducing energy consumption.
Water management
The proposals will include methods to maximise water efficiency by creating innovative, natural features that connect all water bodies. Examples of such features include natural water pools, filtration beds and sustainable drainage (SuDs) for flood mitigation and storm water management. To improve filtration, permeable surfaces will be incorporated, and rainwater harvesting may be included.
Biodiversity
There are several opportunities for biodiversity enhancement that will be considered during the design process, including retaining as many trees as possible, wildlife friendly planting, habitat features, and bird and bat boxes.
Our landscaping plans will improve the overall character, biodiversity, and sustainability of the site by increasing the amount and quality of green space available.
More information about our low-carbon mobility strategy can be found on the Green Travel and Access page.