Replacing inefficient building stock and refurbishment of existing buildings together offer the greatest potential to improve environmental performance.
With this in mind the University has incorporated sustainability into its estates development strategy. A key part of this is the implementation of the Building Research Establishment’s Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM), which is widely recognised as the world's leading design and assessment method for sustainable buildings.
Currently, the University requires all new buildings to achieve an ‘excellent’ BREEAM rating and major refurbishments to achieve a ‘very good’ rating.
The University also considers sustainability within its minor refurbishment works programme and carries out specific energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.