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We are very proud of our built estate and we continually strive to ensure that every newbuild or renovation project meets the highest sustainability standards.
On this page you can find out more about the Construction projects that have taken place over the last 30 years.
Construction work got underway in February 2025
85% improvement in thermal properties
10% of its power will be from roof mounted solar PV
10% uplift in biodiversity
Designed to run at 60C down from 85C
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Externally, materials consist of white render, zinc cladding, porcelain tiles and corten arranged in a simple and rational way; the multi-layered southern façade assists in minimising solar gain. Zinc and corten are the principal materials to the north and west; tough and durable materials to resist algae growth in this woodland setting.
The project aims to radically reduce energy use in a building type that is renowned for high consumption. The building incorporates the following sustainable features:
Fabric & structure: the concrete frame has been left exposed wherever possible to provide accessible thermal mass. This provides ‘peak-lopping’ of low winter and high summer temperatures.
Envelope: U-values to walls, floor, roof and glazing all exceed U-value minimum standards. A stringent air-permeability target has also been set that is 70% better than the requirement of building regulations.
Services: heating is provided via the University’s district heating network – a low-carbon heat source, and the building includes a 145m2 PV array on the roof. The main ventilation systems all include heat recovery provision and the lighting is 100% LED with intelligent control systems.
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We are developing new residential properties on campus. Hickling House and Barton House were the first two buildings to be built, and received tenants in September 2016.
The tight time frame and budget were achieved through the use of innovative new information-sharing technology (Building Information Modelling, or BIM) and a careful nurturing of relationships with local industrial and policy stakeholders to ensure that every part of the project went as smoothly as possible.
Chief among the project’s achievements are its sustainability credentials, from its wooden frame construction to its careful consideration of water, heat and power conservation. These were embedded in the design from the start.
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In a bid to encourage more staff and students to take the bus, UEA has been investing in improvements to bus infrastructure. Bus Stop A on University Drive was the first to be redeveloped.
This new eco-friendly bus stop features 100% recycled flooring from glass bottles and tyres, timber sourced from FSC-certified forests, and natural materials such as an ivy screening wall and sedum green roof. All lights are ultra-low energy LED bulbs to further reduce the environmental impact of the bus stop.
To make bus journeys easier, a 65” real time display has been installed to give accurate live arrival times. This screen uses the same amount of energy as a small LED TV.
The bus stop has been in use since the beginning of the 2016/7 academic year, and was officially launched in November. Representatives from Sustainable UEA and First Bus attended, including UEA’s Transport Coordinator, the designer, and the project manager.
UEA are looking to upgrade other facilities on campus with similar designs.
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Targeted the challenging and internationally-recognised Passivhaus standard, the world’s leading ‘fabric first’ approach to low energy buildings
Expected to achieve a 'BREEAM Outstanding' rating, the world’s leading design and assessment method for sustainable buildings
An exemplar of sustainable procurement, and low embodied energy and carbon construction technologies, through natural and bio-renewable materials sourced through local supply chains.
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Cross-laminated timber superstructure completely replaces concrete in the frame
Around 21kW of PV; external green wall; greywater recycling system; energy display screens per flat, helping residents understand their energy use and flat performance
‘BREEAM Excellent’, a top rank in the world’s foremost environmental assessment method and rating system for buildings
First building on campus to fully embrace Building Information Modelling, or BIM: one of the first projects in the UK to achieve a fully-integrated, '6D' BIM Level 2 (ahead of government schedule).
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The Julian Study Centre began our exploration of the potential of cross-laminated timber (CLT) for academic and residential buildings, allowing quick construction and a lower carbon footprint. Other features are;
TermoDeck heating and cooling system, with hollow concrete floors.
Achieved an air tightness far exceeding current building regulations, meaning that it loses heat much more slowly in the winter
All LED lighting
22kW of roof-mounted PV
A rated Energy Performance Certificate
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360-seat lecture theatre, seminar rooms and offices
TermoDeck heating/cooling system, with similar performance to Elizabeth Fry and ZICER
Learnt from other buildings: installed displacement ventilation and more zone controls to improve occupant comfort.
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The ZICER (The Zuckerman Institute for Connective Environmental Research) Building was our first building-integrated photovoltaic (PV) system. The 34kW system demonstrates the potential of building integrated PV.
Won the ‘Low Energy Building of the Year' award in the Building Magazine's sustainability competition, 2005
Second low energy building using the TermoDeck system
Thermal performance improved over the Elizabeth Fry Building
Over 240,000kWh of zero-carbon electricity generated since opening (the amount required to power the average house for 72 years).
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After 20 years, the Elizabeth Fry Building still exceeds current building regulations for thermal performance and is one our most energy efficient buildings on campus.
“Best building ever”, Building Services Journal (1998)
High thermal mass, highly insulated triple glazing
Low energy structural ceiling slab system, TermoDeck, provides very consistent conditions throughout the year.
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