News / UWE Bristol
UWE Bristol unveils largest low carbon student digs in UK
In line with its long-term aspirations to create sustainable student accommodations, UWE Bristol has completed the largest low carbon development of its kind in the UK.
The new digs, in the works since 2021 and due to open fully in September, will cater for first-year students.
Purdown View is a “state of the art” three-building, 900-bedroom student village close to lecture halls, the library and the Student Union.
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UWE described Frenchay Campus’ newest accommodation as “a modern and vibrant place to call home.”
Purdown View will reduce energy by 81 per cent and carbon by 79 per cent per room compared with the housing it replaced
It is built to the highest sustainability standard with Passivhaus technology, helping UWE to address climate change and achieve their aim of net-zero greenhouse emissions by 2030.
The development has received certification for meeting the highest possible eco credentials. Passivhaus buildings provide excellent occupant comfort while minimising energy used for heating and cooling.
Purdown View will reduce energy by 81 per cent and carbon by 79 per cent per room compared with the housing it replaced.
Student residents will benefit from a comfortable temperature year-round and improved internal air quality thanks to sustainability features including triple glazed windows, high levels of insulation and a mechanical ventilation system.
As a fossil fuel-free development, heating will be generated by air-source heat pumps and electricity will come from solar panels.
UWE was named a “First Class” university for sustainability in People & Planet’s latest sustainability league table, ranked 11th out of 151 higher education institutions.
The university boasts of no investments in fossil fuel companies and in January 2022 committed to maintain this position in perpetuity. In 2023, UWE won Sustainability Institution of the Year at the UK & Ireland Green Gown awards.
Professor Steve West, UWE’s vice-chancellor, said: “We are extremely proud to have completed the largest Passivhaus-accredited student housing project in the UK.
“It demonstrates our commitment to address the challenges of climate change, move towards our 2030 carbon targets and our commitment to student wellbeing and experience.
“We’re looking forward to seeing these fantastic new energy efficient residences fully occupied by our students later in the year.”
As well as energy efficiency measures, residents can enjoy vibrant green spaces and a new sculpture garden on their doorstep, boosting campus biodiversity and student wellbeing.
Landscaped courtyards, orchards and green corridors have been developed by Stride Treglown following national Building with Nature standards, to which UWE researchers have contributed.
The sculptures were created by collaborative multimedia artists Juneau Projects working with the Arnolfini, part of UWE’s City Campus.
The series of bronze sculptures and brick clay seating structures are based on the natural forms of mosses and plants. Co-designed with staff, students and local residents, the sculpture garden intends to be a community space for meeting, recreation, study and quiet reflection that connects people to nature.
Purdown View, the largest low carbon development of its kind in the UK, has won an award for sustainability and innovation
Purdown View’s sustainability credentials helped earn the Innovation in Student Housing prize earlier this month at the 2024 CUBO Awards, which recognise excellence in university and college commercial services.
All photos: Tom Bright
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