Plans for a £175 million expansion have been submitted by the University of Birmingham, dcer.co.uk writes.

Proposals for the historic Edgbaston campus include more student accommodation, a new sports centre, a 50-metre swimming pool and a brand new library, to be built on a brownfield site to the south east of the existing campus.

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One of the UK’s leading sports universities

It is hoped that the additional facilities will not only benefit university students and personnel, but will also enhance Birmingham’s reputation as one of the country’s leading sports universities.

Naturally, among all of these ambitious plans, environmental issues have not been forgotten. The university hopes that by extending the amount of student accommodation on campus and providing a greater number of staff parking spaces, it will “relieve pressure on Selly Oak”, thus reducing its carbon footprint.

Reducing its carbon footprint

Others looking to reduce their carbon footprint in a smaller, cheaper way might like to consider implementing some eco-friendly measures at home or work. These include the installation of insulating wall cladding, affixing roof top solar panels to harness natural energy or using rainwater harvesting to generate a recycled water resource, great in times of hose pipe bans.

Commenting on the plans, Ian Barker, director of estates, told constructionenquirer.com:

“These are significant and exciting projects that will benefit students, staff and the local area. The University was founded to be an asset for the city and these plans have that aim in mind.”

The expansion, which will be carried out over the next five years if approved, will be funded by alumni donations and by the university itself.