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A decade of project planning delivers sustainability excellence at UCL Institute of Education
15 June 2026
UCL Estates has achieved a BREEAM Excellent rating for the UCL Institute of Education (IOE) Phases 1 and 2, marking the successful completion of a complex, multi phase refurbishment programme that began in 2016.
Image: Front of the UCL Institute of Education building after refurbishment in 2023.
BREEAM, which stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, is one of the most widely used standards for assessing the environmental performance of buildings in the UK. It considers a wide range of factors, including energy efficiency, health and wellbeing, materials, waste and management processes. An ‘Excellent’ rating places the IOE refurbishment among the top ranked sustainable buildings nationally, reflecting a high level of performance across these areas.
The achievement is the result of a decade of collaboration across Sustainable UCL and the Capital Projects team in UCL Estates. From the outset, the project embedded sustainability into decision making, supported by early engagement, continuous coordination and detailed evidence management. This long-term approach helped maintain momentum through a complex delivery process and ensured that sustainability outcomes were not compromised as the project evolved.
Delivery partners played a critical role in supporting this effort. Buro Happold led the coordination of the BREEAM assessment and submission process, while Overbury and the wider design team contributed extensive documentation and evidence to meet the requirements of a rigorous external audit.
Delivering excellence across sustainability themes
The refurbishment has delivered a range of practical improvements that directly benefit building users.
Health and wellbeing
Under health and wellbeing, enhancements include improved access to natural daylight, better glare control and considered approaches to indoor air quality. Thermal modelling was used to ensure that spaces remain comfortable not only today but also under future climate conditions, while acoustic performance was tested to support effective teaching and learning environments.
Energy performance
Energy performance was another key area of focus. The design combines passive measures, such as making the most of natural light and ventilation, with efficient systems and technologies. Upgrades to lighting, lifts and office equipment have reduced energy demand, while detailed monitoring through sub‑metering allows building performance to be tracked and managed more effectively over time.
Waste and resource-use
Waste and resource use were also carefully addressed throughout the project. A clear resource management plan and pre‑refurbishment audit supported the responsible handling of materials, resulting in 95% project-related waste being diverted from landfill. Improved recycling facilities have also been introduced to support better waste management during day‑to‑day operation of the building.
Hannah Milner, Director of Estates Development, Capital Programme at UCL, said:
“This achievement reflects a consistent, long‑term commitment to embedding sustainability into how we plan and deliver our projects. By taking a joined‑up approach and working closely with our partners, we have created a building that performs well, supports its users and aligns with UCL’s wider sustainability ambitions.”
Prof. Li Wei, Director and Dean of IOE, said:
“The refurbishment has transformed our spaces into a more comfortable and sustainable environment for our community. This achievement demonstrates how our operational decisions can support our broader mission to address global environmental challenges.”
Looking ahead
The IOE refurbishment provides a strong foundation for further sustainability improvements. Proposals for additional active travel provision, such as cycling, and expanding green spaces as part of Wild UCL commitments will strengthen the local environment and support healthier travel choices.
At a systems level, the ongoing decarbonisation of the Bloomsbury Heat & Power network will significantly reduce operational carbon, complementing the efficiency measures already embedded in the building. As the refurbished spaces settle into use, structured post‑occupancy evaluation will help ensure the building performs as intended and inform future UCL projects.
The project also highlights the importance of strong sustainability governance across a large and complex institution. By aligning capital projects with UCL’s strategic objectives and applying structured frameworks such as Soft Landings, teams can ensure that buildings perform as intended once in use. This approach supports better outcomes for users, reduces the risk of inefficiencies and defects and protects long‑term investment.
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