The development is Loughborough University’s first building designed to Passivhaus standards, widely regarded as the most challenging energy efficiency and comfort standards in the world.
Around fifty students studying low-energy building design as part of their Masters degree were shown the building by Catherine Fleming of the Estates and Facilities Management team, who led the SportPark Pavilion 4 project on LUSEP, the University’s Science and Enterprise Park.
The students witnessed first-hand how the building’s key features – including triple glazing, an enhanced thermal efficient airtight building fabric, external solar shading and a highly efficient heat and ventilation system – achieves this exceptional standard.
Joshua Vasudevan, Doctoral Researcher from the Building Energy Research Group who organised the visit said: “Overall, the site visit to the new SportPark Pavilion 4 extension at LUSEP was an excellent opportunity for the students to learn about sustainable building design and construction. It allowed them to see first-hand how a Passivhaus building is designed and built, and to gain a better understanding of the importance of energy efficiency and sustainability in modern construction.”
Catherine Fleming said: “Previewing our first-ever Passivhaus building on campus with such an engaged and relevant student cohort is a fitting end to the University’s first ever dedicated Sustainability Week.
“SportPark Pavilion 4 has been a fantastic project to deliver and is testament to the commitment of our industry partners Henry Brothers Construction, David Morley Architects, Beyond Carbon Associates and sub-contractors. This will be a unique living lab that enhances the cutting-edge research of our academics as well as the student experience.”
About SportPark
A multi award-winning development for the UK’s sports sector, SportPark, opened in 2010 on the Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park (LUSEP) with support from Government, Sport England, Charnwood Borough Council and Leicestershire County Council. Its £9 million sustainable development got underway in November 2021 and will welcome more sports organisations in a few months.
SportPark Pavilion 4 is one of four key infrastructure projects to be delivered by the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) as part of the Getting Building Fund. Further funding support has been provided by Loughborough Town Deal.