The University has been awarded the highest environmental standard for its new Aston Student Village (ASV) residences project.
The BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating means that the £215m scheme will give Aston one of the most sustainable university communities in Europe, comprising 2400 brand new en suite bedrooms, which will begin to become available from late 2010 as part of Phase I of the project – and a new all-weather sports pitch.
Richard Middleton, Chief Operating Officer and ASV trustee, commented, ‘Aston is very much committed to green buildings and through our campus redevelopment programme we have the opportunity to implement best practice and to push the frontiers forward.’
The new residences feature some of the most environmentally friendly heating, power and mechanical systems available, as well as high specification glazing and other energy efficient measures. Some of the more innovative features on the buildings includes a wind turbine on the roof, wastewater recycling, green roofs and recycling plants in each block. The residences will be powered by Aston’s Combined Heat & Power Plant, launched in June 2009, to vastly improve energy efficiency. The scheme has also obtained ‘Secure by Design’ accreditation, making it a safe environment for students.
In more good news for the project, the University has authorised the ASV team to proceed with Phase II, which will see a further 1050 rooms available from 2013, as well as retail and additional green space on campus. Phase II will also include the demolition of the accommodation towers.
ASV has already appointed Solihull-based construction consultants, Emprima, to project manage Phase II.
Words by Alex Earnshaw
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