University sets new standard for sustainable student living
The UK's largest low-carbon student accommodation project - a ground-breaking 900-bedroom student village - has been completed and will take its first full complement of student tenants in September.
The University of the West of England (UWE) has also cemented its position as a leader in sustainable development with the completion of its Purdown View project at the Frenchay campus.
It says that the project prioritises environmental responsibility without sacrificing student comfort.
Purdown View has achieved the Passivhaus certification, signifying its meets the highest eco-friendly standards.
Largest Passivhaus-accredited student housing
UWE Bristol's vice-chancellor, Professor Sir Steve West, said: "We are extremely proud to have completed the largest Passivhaus-accredited student housing project in the UK.
"It demonstrates our determination to address the challenges of climate change, move towards our 2030 carbon targets and our commitment to student wellbeing and experience."
He added: "We're looking forward to seeing these fantastic new energy-efficient residences being fully occupied by our students later in the year, helping address the shortage of student accommodation in the city and fulfilling our commitment to make more high quality, purpose-built accommodation available on campus for our first-year students."
Purdown View has been partially occupied since January and the student tenants have offered positive feedback.
Impressive 81% reduction in energy consumption
Purdown View boasts an impressive 81% reduction in energy consumption and a 79% drop in carbon emissions per room compared to the housing it replaces.
Residents will enjoy year-round comfort and improved air quality thanks to cutting-edge features like triple-glazed windows, exceptional insulation and a mechanical ventilation system.
The development is completely fossil fuel-free, with air-source heat pumps providing any necessary heating and solar panels generating electricity for a sustainable living experience.
Leap forward in sustainable design
Originally occupying the site of Carrol Court student accommodation, Purdown View represents a significant leap forward in sustainable design.
The 26,000 square metre ultra-low energy scheme is the product of a collaborative effort by the architects and builders.
The design ensures the building remains virtually airtight, minimising heat loss and ensuring residents rarely need to use heating due to the exceptional thermal retention properties.
There is also strategically placed shading on windows and a layout that considers the sun's path to deliver comfortable summer temperatures.
Maximises biodiversity across the site
Student tenants also get to enjoy a landscape design that maximises biodiversity across the site with courtyards, orchard plantings and green corridors.
The public art sculptures have been inspired by natural forms like moss, and a series of bronze sculptures and brick clay seating structures were developed with input from staff and students.
Purdown View's sustainability efforts haven't gone unnoticed and, earlier this month, UWE Bristol received the Innovation in Student Housing prize at the 2024 CUBO Awards.
The award recognises excellence in university and college commercial services and the university holds a prestigious '1st Class' ranking in People & Planet's sustainability league table.
'How universities can prioritise sustainability'
The managing director of Accommodation for Students, Simon Thompson, said: "Purdown View is a shining example of how universities can prioritise sustainability while creating high-quality student housing.
"This innovative development sets a new standard for student living and should inspire other institutions across the UK to embrace similar eco-friendly practices."
He adds: "There appears to be a lot of joined-up thinking with low running costs, sustainability and the students who get to live there will undoubtedly enjoy a well-designed and comfortable building that has been created with their needs in mind."
