Sustainability Projects
Sustainability Efficiency
East (SEE) Project at Bedford College
As part of the Sustainable
Efficiency East (SEE) Project, Bedford College has created a
state-of-the-art low carbon demonstration centre; Brundtland
Building.
Click here to see the summary fact-sheets
outlining key elements of the project
In 2009 the UK Government committed
to cutting carbon emissions by 80% by 2050. Buildings account for
about 40% of carbon emissions in the UK, and with about 1% of the
existing building stock being replaced by new-build each year, it
is estimated that in 2050 some 70% of today’s buildings will still
be in use. Thus our national targets will only be met by improving
the energy performance of existing buildings.
Brundtland Building has been
developed as a resource to showcase the use of alternative energy
technologies and energy efficiency techniques in existing
buildings. Guidance and support is provided to businesses enabling
them to maximise business opportunities in the emerging low carbon
economic sectors. Technology demonstrations and a seminar/meeting
space are also provided in the Brundtland Sustainability Centre to
support local sustainable community and industry initiatives.
As well as improving the energy
performance of the building, low carbon technologies are also used
to provide technology installation and maintenance experience for
individuals. Key innovative and low impact design features of the
building include:
-
High performance building fabric including solar control glazing
and providing additional insulation
-
Intelligent controls to optimise system performance and minimise
energy use;
-
River water cooling
-
Photovoltaic solar panels
-
Solar hot water collector
-
Vertical axis wind turbine
- Rainwater harvesting.
Comfort levels within the building
have substantially improved through a focus on heating, cooling and
lighting, creating an enhanced learning and work environment.
Upgrades have been made to IT and disabled facilities, and a
building energy management system (BEMS) is used to monitor the
building’s energy performance.
The project is contributing to
economic and social sustainability through a range of actions.
Examples include:
- On-site work experience provided to local construction
apprentices
- A meeting and seminar venue for local climate change
groups
- Demonstrations, workshops and seminars for businesses
- A venue to deliver a first class realistic learning experience
for the Construction and Building Services trades.
The Sustainable Efficiency East
Project aimed to stimulate the growth of a low carbon economy across the East of
England by supporting businesses in reducing their costs and saving
energy. The project was led by Bedford College,Cambridgeshire County
Council, Consign, Renewables East and
West Suffolk
College were amongst the delivery partners providing
full regional cover.
The project aimed to:
- Deliver two regional centres of excellence in low carbon
innovation demonstrating new build and retro-fit technologies.
- Develop the supply chain in low
carbon economy through business support, expertise and capacity
for innovation.
- Deliver a communication strategy that raises awareness of the
need for low carbon technologies.
- Establish an innovative best practice model, enabling
reductions in the carbon
footprint of businesses whilst promoting enhanced economic
performance.
- Help businesses reduce their related costs.
This project was
successfully completed in December 2012.