LSE building achieves BREEAM ‘Outstanding’

The BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating achieved by the £24 million new student centre of the London School of Economics & Political Science is the first higher-education building in London to achieve such a high standard of sustainability — and only the 17th worldwide. BRE Global assessed the interim stage of the development and rated it with a score of 86.45% — exceeding the LSE’s original specification of ‘Excellent’.

The work is being led by contractor, civil-engineering and property-services firm Osborne. The 6-storey 6101 m2 building has two basement levels and has been designed by architects O’Donnell + Tuomey.

To achieve BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ the team collaborated very closely under the positive direction of the LSE, with the design team taking a particularly proactive role. The building is naturally ventilated to reduce overall energy demand. It also has a CHP system, solar PV panels on the roof and a rainwater/greywater harvesting system.

During the construction phase, the focus is on managing energy, water and waste streams and minimising consumption.

Construction is due for completion in late 2013.