“With the built environment producing 40% of the world’s carbon, the ambition to reach Net Zero as set out in the Northern Ireland Climate Change Act 2022 will impact on all surveyors and their clients.”
The 2023 RICS Northern Ireland Conference taking place today, 5th September, in Belfast will give essential detail on the implications of the Act for the industry and practical ways that we can work towards a sustainable future.
A case study at the RICS Conference on the multi award-winning Erne Campus ‘From environmental construction to legacy‘ delivered by Dr Barry McCarron, Acting Head of Business Development at South West College, will bring to life how the building gained the recognition of one of 26 UN Centres of Excellence for high performing buildings.
“esc Construction Consultants is committed to delivering net zero and sustainable projects, and are very proud that the pioneering South West College Erne Campus, on which we provided Project Management and Cost Management services, is a world-leading exemplar acting as a carbon cutting beacon to its students and the wider community and is celebrated internationally for its design and sustainability credentials,” Pat Mullan, esc Managing Director.
The Passivhaus Premium and BREEAM Outstanding Erne Campus, RICS UK Project of the Year 2022 Winner and the People’s Choice Winner in the recent UK Passivhaus Awards 2023, generates four times more energy than it uses, representing a radical reduction in energy use, emissions and running costs compared to the hospital formerly on the site. The heating energy demand is 95% lower than the old campus complex, a saving of £54,000pa in heating bills alone.
Despite many challenges, the project was finished on time and within budget. Delays caused by the Covid pandemic were a huge hurdle to the realisation of the project. Working in partnership with other suppliers/service providers and early planning and co-ordination were vital to the project success. Moreover, financial control, change management, cost profiling and life cycle costing were key drivers to finishing within budget and timeline.
“I believe we can all learn from Erne Campus’ leadership and ambition as we work to deliver a just and sustainable future for the built environment. More projects with the commitment to sustainability evident in Erne Campus are clearly needed to help the profession mitigate climate related risk and move towards a net-zero future.” Clement Lau, former RICS President
More information on Erne Campus, the UK Passivhaus Awards People’s Choice Winner 2023