At the ‘UK Oscars for building performance’ on 5th July the South West College Erne Campus, a finalist in the Non-Residential category, was chosen from eleven projects over three categories as the 2023 Passivhaus Trust Awards ‘People’s Choice’ Winner.
The awards ceremony celebrated the best Passivhaus projects in the UK and winning projects were voted on by Passivhaus Trust Members with only one project voted on by Members and the wider professional, sectoral and public audience in-person and online and chosen for this prestigious accolade.
The Passivhaus Trust said:
“This pioneering Northern Ireland curved campus is a world-leading exemplar acting as a carbon cutting beacon to its students and the wider community.”
esc Construction Consultants provided Project Management and Cost Management services on this pioneering project which is celebrated world-wide for its design and sustainability credentials. The striking crescent-shaped landmark building is the world’s first educational and the largest Passivhaus Premium rated building, and the first UK building to achieve both Passivhaus Premium and BREEAM Outstanding accreditations.
esc Managing Director Pat Mullan said:
“The Erne Campus is already setting standards world-wide and we are elated that the project has again been recognised on a national level for meeting the highest standards of energy efficiency, comfort and sustainability. This is without doubt a result of the exemplary teamwork and collaboration between client, funders, design team, contractor, supply chain and stakeholders who were committed to delivery on sustainable principles.”
The Campus is one of 26 UN Centres of Excellence for High Performance Buildings around the globe and 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.
Dr Barry McCarron, Head of Business Development at South West College said:
“Erne Campus has broken a glass ceiling. Since opening, there is now £250m of certified passive house public buildings in development in Northern Ireland. This is leadership in the face of the declared climate emergency.”
Congratulations to all the finalists and winners and thanks to the Passivhaus Trust and sponsors of the 2023 UK Passivhaus Trust Awards.