University Development Becomes UKs First Passivhaus Student Accommodation
One of the townhouse blocks in the ‘eco residence’ Carnegie Village at Leeds Metropolitan University has become the first student accommodation in the UK to be certified to the ‘PassivHaus’ criteria.
One of the townhouse blocks in the ‘eco residence’ Carnegie Village at Leeds Metropolitan University has become the first student accommodation in the UK to be certified to the ‘PassivHaus’ criteria.
In addition, the whole of the 479-bedroom student accommodation scheme has also been selected as the UK 2010 BREEAM Award winner in the Multi-Residential category.
The £26m Shepherd development also received a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating earlier this year.
The eco resident was built off-site using sustainably sourced timber. To achieve the PassivHaus certification, the townhouse block has been built using innovative energy efficiency techniques that reduce heat loss and remove the need for conventional heating systems. High levels of insulation and air tightness have been incorporated throughout and an innovative mechanical heat recovery ventilation system was installed.
PassivHaus buildings are widely recognised as meeting the world’s leading standards in energy efficient construction and have been shown to typically achieve an energy saving of 90% compared to existing housing.
UPP created the eco residence model in response to the need for improved environmental performance alongside affordable rent levels. Students living at Carnegie Village can monitor their energy usage by using digital monitoring systems installed in the residences, helping them save money in the process.
Phil Greer, Shepherd Construction’s eastern region managing director commented: “We are proud to be associated with a pioneering building project that is setting new environment standards in the industry.”
Sean O’Shea, chief executive at UPP, said: “UPP constantly strives to drive new innovation and industry best practice through our eco residence developments, making use of the latest techniques and sustainability measures. We will continue to play our part in helping the higher education sector achieve its target of reducing carbon emissions by 80% by 2050.”