Sustainable construction

We recognise the challenge of expanding and renewing our facilities for learning, whilst reducing our overall impact on the environment. We will design and embed sustainability standards into all new builds and refurbishment projects to mitigate these impacts, whilst evaluating ways to reach net zero emissions buildings.

Building Sustainably, BREEAM and auditing

The University of Surrey has over 300 buildings ranging from 1960s buildings with poor thermal performance to modern state-of-the-art halls of residence that achieve BREEAM ‘Excellent’. The challenge for the University is to balance the energy performance of new developments with operational needs. These spaces should promote wellbeing and productivity, encompass flexible design and consider the embodied carbon of materials used.

The University follows a set of Sustainable Construction Principles (docx), and has committed to achieving BREEAM 'Excellent' in all new buildings and major refurbishment projects and uses this as the basis for any audits it needs to do during the design process. The University will include BREEAM water standards to minimise water use within its building projects no matter size in line with the 'Excellent' standard.

Recent developments

Over the last few years development of our estate has included the refurbishment of International House (a student residence), the creation of student social spaces, minor laboratory refurbishments and cafeteria refurbishments.

Though these developments have been minor in the scope of works, they have included the installation of LED lighting with movement control, upgraded insulation, water saving controls and showers, improved controls on heating and hot water and low velocity fume cupboards. New waste facilities and biodiversity additions such as bug hotels and draught resistant planting have also been installed.

Emissions and discharges plans and audits

The University aims to reduce its impact on the environment by reducing emissions and discharges of polluting materials, either as gases, liquids or solid waste. The University has audited its key impacts, setting these out within an Emissions and Discharges Prevention Plan, as well as noting actions to address these impacts.

Campus investment

Our estate has been transformed throughout the years – including £130 million on student accommodation, £36 million on Surrey Sports Park, £16 million on the Library and Learning Centre and £4.5 million on the Ivy Arts Centre.

On top of this has come further investment in the form of a new £45 million School of Veterinary Medicine, £70 million support for the 5G/6G Innovation Centre, one of the world’s first research centres dedicated to mobile communications and future internet technologies, and the Kate Granger building, our new home for School of Health Sciences on Surrey Research Park.