Cruciform Hub awarded Gold for green credentials

The recently-refurbished Cruciform Hub has received a RICS Ska Gold award for its environmental credentials, which include energy efficient lighting throughout, use of sustainable timber and 99% of all waste generated by the project avoiding landfill.

The Cruciform Hub provides a library, study space, group workspaces, computer clusters and seminar rooms within the lower ground floor of the Grade II listed Cruciform Building.

Blending the iconic building’s heritage with cutting-edge design, the refurbishment has created a welcoming hub suited to the diverse need of UCL staff and students.

Sustainability considerations were taken into account in all areas of the project, from the materials and furnishings used, to the services installed and the way waste from the project was disposed of. Most notably:

• 99% of all waste generated by the project was diverted from landfill, including 100% of waste wood going on to be recycled.
• 100% of all timber used on the project was also FSC Certified and the new carpets laid in the space can be recycled at end of life.
• A range of different interventions to measure and reduce energy use, including LED lighting, occupancy sensors and sub-meters to provide accurate information about consumption were also installed.

“It’s essential that sustainability considerations are placed at the core of our building and refurbishment projects. They’re not just add-ons or ‘nice-to-haves’. Stephanie Chesters, UCL Sustainability Manager said. "The inclusion of these considerations at the design, handover and occupancy stages helps to create spaces that support our business, are healthier and are more efficient to run in terms of costs and resources such as energy and water.” 

Find out more about the Ska rating system on the RICS website or by contacting Evan Landy from the UCL Sustainability Team.