The laboratory, which is being part-funded by GlaxoSmithKline, will house The University of Nottingham’s Centre for Sustainable Chemistry, which will serve as a hub to catalyse new collaborations with industry. The centre will be unique in the UK not only in its design but also in its focus on world-leading research activity in sustainable chemistry.
This research activity will aim for the highest 'clean and green' standards to minimise environmental impact and ensure that the new chemistry developed is both energy and resource efficient and sustainable.
The building, which has been designed by architects, The Fairhursts Design Group, will occupy 4,500 sq m over two floors. In addition to laboratory space for around 100 researchers, it will also contain dedicated instrument rooms, a teaching laboratory for advanced undergraduate classes, and space for a range of outreach activities.
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The University of Nottingham's Chief Estates and Facilities Officer, Chris Jagger, said: "This building will be at the forefront of the next generation of highly sustainable wet chemistry research laboratory building design. We have commissioned the very best expertise in the project management and design team consultants and we are delighted at the appointment of Morgan Sindall as contractors to enable us to proceed with the construction and delivery of this project."
Located on The University of Nottingham’s award-winning Innovation Park, the new carbon neutral laboratory building will provide unrivalled facilities for chemistry. The focus on sustainability will be reflected in the building itself, which will incorporate the latest technologies to allow it to be carbon neutral over its lifetime.
The building is set to achieve a BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) rating of ‘Outstanding’ and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) ‘Platinum’ rating. It is set to reach carbon neutral status after 25 years.
The laboratory will be built from natural materials and energy required to run it will be met by renewable sources such as solar power and sustainable biomass. Excess energy created by the building will provide enough carbon credits over 25 years to pay back the carbon used in its construction.
(CD)
