Environmental Considerations

Under this heading you need to consider both the campus or building in its local setting and issues relating to environmental sustainability including the efficient use of energy, choice of materials (e.g. wood from sustainable sources), use of local and natural resources, siting of buildings and management of the buildings. We have included more guidance on sustainability in the Implementation section of this Kit.

You need to have a clear vision for the role of your campus in the community and issues relating to public access, relationship with other community resources such as shopping and leisure facilities, impact on local residents of increased student accommodation or extended opening hours. You also need to consider the relationship with other buildings nearby. In an urban setting this may involve analysis of how your development will affect their access to light (City Lit was involved in a long running dispute about 'Rights of Light' that cost them £0.5 million in compensation). There may be historic or listed buildings on campus or nearby and/or significant archaeological remains on the site you intend to develop.

Similarly you will have to think about Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSIs), tree protection orders or any significant environmental features on site. Making the conservation of such features an aspect of the design may generate funding opportunities. There is also a need to identify any mining or industrial activity that could pose a potential hazard in terms of subsidence or pollution. Consideration of light and noise levels within the spaces also comes under this heading. Bilborough College used the Schools Standard BB93 for their development as noise was recognised as a major factor. Some summary information on this standard can be found at University of Exeter's Centre for Energy and the Environment. The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE), 'Design with Distinction: The value of good building design in Higher Education'²², reported that high noise levels can have negative influences on the feeling and behaviour of staff and students.

If you have a green policy that includes reducing the number of cars parked on the site then there could be a risk that there may be fewer student applications if no car parking is available for them. The policy could also have an effect on the local community in that staff and students may start parking in the street around your institution. To minimise this risk, you may need to have discussions with your local authority and bus/coach companies to ensure that there are adequate public transport links. If some staff have to travel between campuses then you could consider having a small pool of environmentally friendly cars so that staff do not have to use their own.