Sustainable Development @ Lancaster University
Sustainability : Why bother ?
• Climate Change• Depleting natural resources • Rising utilities & fuel prices• Universities educate : that includes how people
live & behave
Lancaster’s Approach
• Laying the foundations
– Commitment to sustainability is explicit in the University’s strategic plan
– Clear environmental policy– Resource commitment to environment &
sustainability– Holistic approach to sustainability in Estate
Development Masterplan including refurbishments
Student Residences
• The existing partnership arrangement between the University and UPP Lancaster has already created :
• Phase 1 402 rooms• Phase 2 1936 rooms• Phase 3 1047 rooms• Phase 4 776 New build rooms
176 Refurbished rooms 3750m² Academic/CollegeRefurbishment
Phase 4
What students thought about earlier phases 1 - 3
• Nice Rooms – but too expensive.• No dedicated social spaces indoors or outdoors. • How green are they ?
Design Process
A Phase 4 working group was set up :
• Chaired by a member of the University Council [who is also a successful housing developer].
• Student representatives included– LUSU President– Education & welfare officer– JCR College Presidents
• College Principals• UPP & Estates team
Our Brief to UPP
Main Considerations:
• Product Performance – Sustainability and Environment
• Enhanced living space and social provision• Style & Quality – both at product and
development level• Low rent proposition >> Low delivery and
running costs
Sustainability Target
• New Build– BREEAM / Eco-homes Excellent
• Refurbishments– BREEAM / Eco-homes very good
• Flexible social housing solution
• Low waste – lower cost
• Highly sustainable by design
• Healthy home by design
• Highly energy efficient by design
• Attractive “lifestyle” product offer
• Educational experience opportunity
The construction process
• Timber framed solution• Lighter weight foundations [less concrete]• Off site manufacture/less site generated waste• Speedier construction• Watertight quicker allowing internal fit out to
progress in parallel• FSC certified timber• Low or no emission paints & fabrics• Internal ventilation & heat recovery system• Low energy fittings
UPP adaptation for modern student accommodation
Full ground floor social space (4 storey)
Kitchen
Lounge
Diner
Patio
Non En-Suite Bedrooms
Adjacent shower room
Bedroom Floor - shared shower rooms
The numbers..
• Carbon Footprint : 25% less per student
• Insulation : up to 50% better
• Utilities : up to 20% less in use
• £30k per student bed – free living room ?
• Circa 15% cheaper in construction cost than previous phases
Presentation Summary
• Phase 4 accommodation is cheaper to build than previous phases 1-
3. The rent is £10 per week cheaper per bedroom.
• There is a fantastic social space in the open plan lounge,
kitchen/diner. This wasn’t provided on previous phases.
• Phase 4 has achieved a BREEAM / Eco-homes Excellent rating, one
of only 4 student residences projects to do so.
• They are predicted to use up to 20% less energy/utilities than
previous accommodation. We’re monitoring this closely!
• Students can monitor usage in real time via the internet. They can consciously reduce the cost of their accommodation whilst at university by using less energy.
• Recycling facilities are designed into the accommodation.
• Outdoor spaces and facilities enhance and extend the live and learn spaces on campus. ‘WiFi & BBQ’s”.
• Asked if there was anything that they’d change, the first students occupiers said NO – they are genuinely pleased with this eco-friendly accommodation.
Questions & Answers