A new £42 million teaching and research facility at the University of Leicester has gained Passivhaus Certification.

The modern Centre for Medicine building is now the largest Passivhaus building in the UK.

It was built by contractor Willmott Dixon and designed by Associated Architects.

Passivhaus is the fastest-growing energy performance standard in the world and is set to reduce the University’s energy bill for the building by six times.

The building will record a '-2' energy performance asset rating, placing it in the 'A+' category.

Features include its own green wall and roof with a planting regime designed to attract insects and birds which will help pollination and to promote bio-diversity.

Around £32m was invested by the University in the project and it has also launched the Centre for Medicine Appeal to raise an additional £10m to complete the project.

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James Elliment, operations manager at Willmott Dixon, said: "This is a hugely significant project not only for the University and the region, but also the UK as a whole. Further to that it has been extremely exciting for us to work on such a landmark building.

"Delivering a Passivhaus on such a large scale is not without its challenges and we employed a number of energy efficient mechanisms to ensure that this standard was met. The building boasts many intelligent energy efficiencies including a ground to air heat exchange system, active solar shading and embedded soffit cooling which aids in the reduction of energy used within the building.

"We have also installed solar photovoltaic panels on the roof, part of the roof is covered in wildflowers and the building has a green wall of vegetation – all contributing to the buildings sustainable credentials."

Dave Vernon, Project Manager at the University of Leicester added: "Users from the College of Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychology have been heavily involved in the design of the building and through our soft landing process are fully engaged in learning how to work in such an innovative building.

"Many of the myths surrounding Passivhaus buildings have been dispelled and users are now energised and excited about the imminent move."

(LM)