- The University of Sheffield's newest building, the Wave, has been recognised for its sustainability credentials after being awarded Outstanding BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) accreditation
- The Wave, which is designed to be net-zero in operation, was recognised for its renewable energy systems, which include ground-source heat pumps and solar panels, its provision for cycling and walking and its careful use of sustainable materials
- BREEAM is a globally recognised sustainability assessment method for buildings. It provides a framework for evaluating the environmental performance of new and existing buildings, from design to construction and operation
The University of Sheffield's newest building, the Wave, has been recognised for its sustainability credentials by achieving an Outstanding BREEAM accreditation.
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is a globally recognised sustainability assessment method for buildings. It provides a framework for evaluating the environmental performance of new and existing buildings, from design to construction and operation.
The BREEAM accreditation looks at a range of factors that might affect the sustainability of a building, such as energy, transport, materials, waste and ecology. Buildings are assessed across nine social and environmental sustainability categories in total.
The Wave, which is designed to be net-zero in operation, scored particularly highly for its renewable energy systems, which include ground-source heat pumps and solar panels, its provision for cycling and walking, proximity to public transport routes, and its careful use of sustainable materials. It was also recognised for its outdoor landscaping, which provides public green spaces and pocket parks around the building.
The building is home to much of the University's Faculty of Social Science and incorporates both large lecture theatres, smaller seminar rooms, offices, study and social spaces, and a cafe.
Mark Holden, Associate Director of Estates Development, University of Sheffield, said: "Throughout the Wave project we worked hard to ensure sustainability was at the heart of the construction process and that, once commissioned, the building would help us meet our sustainability goals for our estate.
"The Outstanding BREEAM rating is testament to the dedication of our project team, HLM Architects and contractors BAM Construction, to our sustainable design principles."
All construction projects at the University of Sheffield are subject to the University's Sustainable Building Standard, which is designed to ensure the highest environmental standards are used across campus. In recent years, the University has opened several pocket parks, planted over 400 new trees and continued to expand dedicated cycling provision throughout its campus. Its next large project, the Central Teaching Laboratory, will continue this trend by providing world-class, state-of-the art laboratory teaching spaces in a building which will be net-zero in operation, replacing several older, less efficient spaces.
Professor Sue Hartley, Vice-President of Research and Institutional Lead for Sustainability at the University of Sheffield, said: "As we develop new world-class research and teaching facilities for our students and staff, we are committed to improving the sustainability of our campus and estate. We always aim for the highest standards of sustainability whilst meeting the social and economic needs of the University and the city of Sheffield so we develop buildings and facilities we can all be proud of."
