Green Gown Awards 2014 - Construction and Refurbishment - University of Exeter - Winner

Revolving Green Fund turns Cornwall House on its head

Using HEFCE Revolving Green Funding, the University set out to show that there is life in 1960s building stock, of which there is much in the HE sector. The process delivered considerable energy/carbon savings (~ 130 tCO2 p/a), improved student, staff and public satisfaction and a vibrant, no longer tired looking or energy hungry building, fit to be part of a low carbon campus of the future.

Another environmental legacy has been, and will continue to be, engagement and participation from students and academics.Working in partnership, Estate Development Service (EDS) and the Business School have held a series of site visits and lectures with One Planet MBA students and the project has been offered as a case study to all colleges for use on any modules with a sustainability or built environment bias.

Student shadowing of members of the project team was also very successful during the design and delivery stages.

Top 3 learnings

1 Using ingenuity and creativity, it is not necessary to raise poor performing 1960’s buildings to the ground and build new to obtain vibrant energy efficient buildings
2 If you involve the building occupants and users, you will not only increase your starting knowledge of how the building works, in a human sense, but also ensure their engagement in any energy saving programmes
3 Know your building! Detailed knowledge of where the energy is being consumed is essential before

What the judges say ...

The judges were impressed by the efforts made to understand energy consumption prior to
commencing the project. The proposal delivered excellent value for money and addressed a problem faced by many universities in reusing a 1960’s building. A considerable effort was made to ensure that the building users were on side and able to support the project both through their actions, and understanding of the building.

What it means to win ... 

“As an institution that takes its responsibilities towards sustainability seriously, this win recognises not only our commitment but also the hard work of staff across the campuses to improve our performance in this area every year.”

Paul Mucklow, Deputy Director, Engineering Estate Development Service

Videos

• Revolving Green Fund turns Cornwall House on its head (click to hide)