UCL achieves BREEAM Excellent rating for Sainsbury Wellcome Centre 

We are pleased to announce that the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre at UCL has achieved a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ award, for its outstanding sustainability credentials.

What is BREEAM?

BREEAM stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method. It is the world's leading sustainability assessment tool for master planning, infrastructure and buildings. BREEAM measures sustainable value from energy to ecology and everything in between and so we use it to ensure our buildings are designed and built to the highest sustainability standards. UCL currently has 15 projects which have achieved, or are expected to achieve BREAM accreditation in the near future.

We are therefore elated that our Sainsbury Wellcome Centre has achieved an Excellent award! 

What makes the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre at UCL a BREEAM Excellent building?

• Its combined heat and power system maximises energy efficiency to contribute an 11% reduction in carbon emissions and will supply heating to neighbouring Astor College.
• A smart lab ventilation system, the first of its type in London, continually samples the air to maintain optimum environmental conditions, and is predicted to provide an additional 11% carbon reduction.
• 100% of WC flushing demand will be met from a grey water recycling system.
• Wildflower green roofs, green walls and nesting boxes will significantly improve the ecology and biodiversity of the site. 
• Building materials with low environmental impacts were used.
• Cycle parking and changing facilities are available for more than half of the building users.
• The contractor, Kier, achieved exemplary performance under the ‘Considerate Constructor’s Scheme’. This included minimising environmental and community impacts associated with the construction works, as well as excellent safety practices beyond regulatory compliance.

UCL also use SKA and mini-SKA to ensure its refurbishments and fit-outs reach the highest sustainability credentials. There are currently 28 projects which have been awarded, or are expected to be awarded SKA accreditation.