Sustainability ranks as one of the highest factors when new projects are being planned and executed. Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology or ‘BREEAM’ for short has become a fundamental way of measuring the sustainability levels of new construction projects. With this in mind, we have taken a look at 5 recent projects designed to achieve the impressive and highly sustainable top ratings of ‘excellent’ or ‘outstanding’.
Wirral Waters College Campus
Based in Birkenhead dockland , the project is due for completion in September 2015 and will provide the first key landmark on Wirral Waters – a 30-year vision by Peel Group to transform 500 acres of docklands, and one half of the Mersey Waters Enterprise Zone. The project has been awarded a BREAAM status of ‘Excellent’.
BBC Cymru Wales, previously based in Llandaff in north west Cardiff, is relocating to a new 150,000sq ft. development in Capital Square - on the site of the old bus station at the northern entrance of Cardiff Central rail station. The building will also consist of restaurants, cafes and shops. With a BREAAM rating of ‘outstanding’, the building promises to have an estimated 30% reduction in annual energy costs.
Exeter Science park
The Science Park Centre – designed to support the growth of science and technology companies – is expected to come to life with construction on schedule for it to open in April 2015. The £8 million project has been granted a BREAAM rating of ‘excellent’, and will be a place for a wide variety of science and technology organisations to work, ranging from project teams of multinationals to entrepreneurs just starting to commercialise their new technologies.
The Scalpel Tower, London
Standing at 190m (620ft) tall, The Scalpel Tower is said to become the European headquarters for the US insurance company WR Berkley. Boasting a BREAAM rating of ‘excellent’, the office tower is to be taller than the Gherkin which stands at 180m (590ft), and offer 35 storey's plus two basement levels and two roof plant levels.
Dagenham Fire Station, London
As part of a rebuilding programme, London will see some of its oldest fire stations replaced and updated to meet the needs of a 21st century fire and rescue service. Earning a BREAAM rating of ‘outstanding’, Dagenham fire station will comprise of a three storey station building, four appliance bays, drill tower, recharging facility building and associated works. The project form a part of the London Fire PFI development.
Information sourced from construction data specialists Barbour ABI
