The huge new learning centre has been awarded the highest rating of ‘excellent’ by BREEAM – (the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method).
The 1,500m2 extension – known by students as the Smartie building due to the large colourful discs attached to the outside – was officially handed over to the college last week.
“There are very few buildings in the UK to be awarded a BREEAM rating of ‘excellent’ because it is so difficult to achieve,” explained Matt Tanner of construction consultant Davis Langdon, who provided project management, cost management and CDM Co-ordinator services on behalf of the College.
“The development had to be measured against challenging sustainability criteria, from the use of ‘A’-rated building materials, to the ecology of the site and even its proximity to public transport links.
“We spent a lot of time in the early stages of the project researching and evaluating the development in terms of overall building cost and sustainability. We managed to reduce overall costs by approximately 10% without adversely affecting the function or form of the building. The use of responsibly sourced materials assisted in this process.”
The extension at Chaffron Way will provide a new learning resource centre and IT training suite housing 70 PCs, along with a new library and new reception area. There is also a large new outside courtyard which will provide space for students to socialise in a secure environment.
Principal Rob Badcock said: “We want Milton Keynes College to be known as a sustainable college and this new building is part of a series of projects to lower our carbon footprint. Our recycling on campus has
increased by 90 per cent in the last year. Students are very enthusiastic and are keen to do their bit to preserve energy and resources.”
Our education team is working on a number of major projects across the UK including Coventry University - City Campus Development; Cranfield University Silsoe Relocation Programme Phase 2; Imperial College South East Quadrant, London; University of Cambridge, School of Humanities; Cranfield University Silsoe Relocation Programme Phase 2. We have also helped to deliver a number of other sustainable buildings including the Kingspan Lighthouse; RHS Bicentennial Glasshouse Project in Wisley, Eden’s The Edge and New Street Square, London.
We became a carbon neutral business last year with its carbon rating tool, also launched in 2007, commended by judges at the Building magazine awards in 2008 who said, “It seems the company is well on the way to making the world a greener place.”
