Inverness project delivers BREEAM rating of 84%

Robertson Property has scooped a major environmental award for its role in the development of the £13 million Scottish Natural Headquarters in Inverness. The building achieved a score of 84% in the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology for offices, which is said to be the highest score since the system was introduced in 1998. The building will be officially opened in August by First Minister Jack McConnell. Throughout the design stage, Robertson Property worked with Keppie Design and URS to ensure it contained as many environmental features as possible — sourcing building materials from the ‘Green guide’ for environmental credentials. The building is said to have an incredibly low energy consumption. There is no need for air conditioning, as the building has a solar cooling system and is entirely naturally ventilated. Shower are provided to encourage employees to cycle to work, and the library roof is covered in stonecrop grass.



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‘Red tape scrapping is welcome – but more policy changes are needed’

The CEO of heat pump manufacturer Aira UK has said the government’s new proposals to scrap planning red tape for the installation of heat pumps in the UK will be a big breakthrough for the industry and consumers – but more policy changes are needed.

New procurement rules for NHS suppliers

New procurement rules mean NHS suppliers will need to demonstrate their green credentials so the NHS can achieve its target of becoming net zero for directly-controlled emissions by 2040, with an ambition to reach an 80% reduction in its carbon emissions between 2028 to 2032.