Durham University has constructed a new green building, in the hope of cutting its carbon emissions. Built using sustainable construction methods, the Palatine Centre will offer student-facing services in its new office space.

Image source

Environmentally-friendly features at the very heart of the design

The building utilised a host of eco-friendly measures – such as photovoltaic panels, rainwater harvesting, a sedum roof and solar thermal collectors.

As well as the new building, the university has also been working on raising awareness of environmental policies and practical actions that can cut carbon emissions.

Low emissions building

Image source

Tim Burt, Dean of Environmental Sustainability at the university, told greenbuildingexpress.co.uk that the building is an “amazing space”; adding his delight that the students and staff services will be housed under a “green roof”.

He commented:

“We’ve put environmentally-friendly features and social well-being at the very heart of the centre’s design and build. It’s a low emissions building that is people and environmentally-friendly and which encourages people to think and act green.”

As well as the building itself, the café inside with also promote eco-friendly services through its ‘Love food – hate waste’ campaign. This includes serving up sensible food portions and encouraging people to use their own coffee cup.

Ambitious government targets to cut emissions

The government has set a target for universities to cut emissions by 43 per cent by 2020, according to guardian.co.uk

Author: Samantha Bartlett   Date Written: 30 November 2012