Sun shines on new university building

Nov 6 2007 by Karen Wilson, The Journal

GREEN support services sector company eaga plc was recently appointed by Sir Robert McAlpine to fit solar panels to the roof of a new eco building in Newcastle.

Northumbria University’s City Campus East is 40% more energy efficient than most other buildings of its type. It is also one of the first buildings in Europe to comply with – and exceed – green legislation introduced as a result of the Kyoto Treaty.

A key element in establishing these green credentials has been the installation of a 45sq m array of solar thermal collectors on the roof of the building.

These will be able to generate up to 95% of its hot water needs during the summer and 30% of the building’s overall hot water needs.

Eaga Renewables managing director Steve Caseley said: “Fitting solar panels to such a sophisticated building required highly specialised skills and naturally we were delighted to be chosen by Sir Robert McAlpine.

“We have proven our ability to complete the work to a high standard and on time, and we look forward to working with McAlpine again as an approved installer.

“Universities tend to be quieter during the summer when the students are away, so it was crucial to have a reliable energy source throughout the darker winter months – and the solar collectors we have fitted will provide this. They can convert up to 75% of daily energy from the sun into heat, even on relatively cloudy days.”

Sir Robert McAlpine said the high specification for this construction made it extremely difficult to find a company with the right skills and experience. The company said these skill sets were not readily available and fortunately eaga was able to demonstrate it was up to the job. Legislation introduced last year for new buildings demands a 28% increase in energy efficiency. However, Northumbria University wanted to gilt edge these requirements and exceed the targets set by world leaders in Kyoto. Working in partnership with companies such as eaga, Sir Robert McAlpine has achieved this and provided a building which is as environmentally friendly as possible.

City Campus East is part of a £136m investment in the heart of Newcastle. It will be home to 9,000 students studying at the Newcastle Business School, the School of Design and the School of Law.

Alongside green energy, recycling was a huge priority during construction. More than 95% of the materials from the site’s former use as a Warner Bros’ cinema have been recycled – with only 5% going to landfill.

As well as the solar collectors on the roof, Northumbria University has installed a raft of energy efficiency technologies, including rain harvesters to collect water for flushing toilets, high efficiency condensing boilers, computerised heating and lighting sensors to ensure power is only used when rooms are occupied and a general design to allow as much natural light in as possible.