Sustainable Construction

This plan is lead by:

• Catherine Fleming, Head of Facilities Management and Projects

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 Nursey 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 in the project agreement for both the refurbishment and new-build elements of the new Student Village and Hub, which was signed with Staffordshire Campus Living in July 2024.  The new Student Village and Hub are expected to completed in September 2026.

Operational priorities for 2024/25

• Monitor the achievement of the targets set by SCL for the new Student Village and Hub
• For any new construction projects, set appropriate targets