Construction and estate
Supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Kingston University's practices tie in with the United Nations SDGs, which aim to transform our world and promote prosperity for all while protecting our planet.
The University's policy on estates supports:
Our approach and commitment
Our commitment to being environmentally conscious and sustainable is at the forefront of new developments and refurbishments. Kingston University's Estates and Facilities strategy, has the mission statement to:
‘Achieve a high quality, sustainable and compliant estate that enhances the experience of students, staff and visitors while enabling the University to meet its objectives.'
All of our new and refurbished building projects follow a ‘Standard Specification and Design Guide' and campus specific ‘Construction Management Plans'. These documents embed minimum sustainability standards from the project conception, and identify, control and mitigate potential environmental impacts associated during construction and refurbishment phases.
Investment
Kingston University has considerably invested in a sustainable built estate.
- The Agile Working Hub Pilot Project in Penrhyn Road, Main Building, achieved SKA Gold in June 2022 and the new Kingston School of Art (KSA) design studios also in Penrhyn Road Main Building achieved SKA Gold in August 2023, the highest level possible for a Fit-Out Sustainability Assessment. Features for both projects included, secondary glazing, additional insulation, natural ventilation with more efficient lighting and heating with appropriate environmental material specifications.
- The new Town House Building, which opened in 2020, has been rated BREEAM ‘Excellent' for its many sustainable features. These features include: a photovoltaic array, a large sustainable urban drainage system (SUDS), a thermally-active building system (TABS) for underfloor cooling, multiple brown roofs, two roof gardens and increased public landscaped areas, designed to support biodiversity and provide greater space, amenity and access for pedestrians.
- In 2019, the major extension to the Kingston School of Art (KSA) Knights Park Campus achieved BREEAM 'Outstanding'. It delivers a 52% reduction in operational carbon emissions. The extension includes green roofs which support biodiversity and aid rainwater attenuation on the functional flood plain. Solar shading canopies are incorporated into the South facade, reducing peak solar gain by 60%. Showers are included to encourage cycling and support Kingston University's sustainable travel commitments.
Get in touch with the Sustainability Team
Estates and Sustainability
Services Building
Penrhyn Road Campus
Kingston upon Thames
KT1 2EE
United Kingdom
Tel: +44(0)20 8417 6520
