NEWS
FIRST IN SCOTLAND
TO ADOPT GREEN
CONSTRUCTION
TECHNIQUE
The Robert Gordon University (RGU) is the first of carbon dioxide (this figure does not include
organisation in Scotland to adopt an innovative, additional emissions due to quarrying and
eco-friendly construction technique in one of its transport). As a result the use of Cobiax can
new builds at its Garthdee campus in Aberdeen. significantly reduce the carbon footprint of a
The building, which is the first phase of the new build. In addition, an exposed concrete
University’s £140 million estates masterplan, structure reduces the heating and cooling loads,
uses a system called Cobiax which employs as well as eliminating the long-term
recycled material in prefabricated concrete maintenance costs of the suspended ceilings.
slabs. This has a number of benefits including Create Engineering introduced the flat slab
making the construction technique far more Cobiax system to provide the necessary high
environmentally friendly than traditional systems. quality concrete finish whilst maximising the floor
The Cobiax system in RGU’s new Corporate to ceiling heights in open plan buildings. They
T
’S NEW?
Services Building incorporates 30,000 air-filled were one of the first consultants to work with
plastic balls, almost half of which are produced Cobiax within the UK, working closely with
from recycled plastic. This forms the structural suppliers and contractors to customise this
heart of the 2000m
2
three-storey building. innovative method which has already been used
Set into prefabricated concrete slabs and in Germany, Holland and Belgium.
covered in situ with a concrete topping, the balls Mike Berry, Director of Estates and Property
form the hollow centre of a revolutionary floor Services at RGU said, “Environmental
system reducing the amount of concrete used by sustainability is one of the University’s key
35% and the foundation load by 20%. strategic aims. Our aim is to set the standard for
The production of one tonne of cement sustainable buildings for others in the Higher
WHA
results in the emission of approximately 700 kg Education sector to follow.”
news news news news news news news
CARBON JARGON jargon from ‘carbon organisation’s carbon membership.
footprint’ to ‘greenhouse footprint To abide by the scheme’s
‘Carbon footprints’, ‘carbon gas’ to ‘Kyoto’ – not For further information Code of Conduct.
neutral’, ‘carbon offsetting’ forgetting ‘carbon’ itself please contact Sophie Portas To abide by the scheme’s
and ‘carbon credits’ – just a Explains our impact on on 020 7014 6182 Disciplinary Procedures.
few examples of a new wave the environment with To have details published
of terminology now commonly simple yet scientifically NEW PROTOCOL FOR on our register of EPC
used when addressing the proven and up-to-date SCOTTISH ENERGY scheme members (existing
world’s current environmental facts and stats focusing PERFORMANCE buildings).
concerns. The question is, on levels of CO
2
CERTIFICATES Training will be provided for
how many of us actually know Reassures and identifies scheme members in the
what they mean? with the reader through The Scottish Building Standards following:
According to a recent industry-led quotes on Agency (SBSA) has entered into The use of the Simplified
survey by the British Market carbon issues and a protocol with BRE Scotland for Building Energy Model
Research Bureau and released climate change the issue of Energy Performance (SBEM) calculation tool for
to the Guardian in September Suggests CO
2
-friendly Certificates (EPCs) for existing non-domestic buildings;
2007, the majority of the actions for businesses buildings in Scotland. This Reduced Data Standard
population haven’t a clue. and corporations with scheme is one of several that Assessment Procedure
This is where Carbon affirmations through case the SBSA has in place with (RdSAP) for domestic
Jargon comes in: a bite-sized study examples different organisations - see buildings.
book specially designed to Ends with a compilation www.sbsa.gov.uk/european_ Energy efficient designs.
help explain why all this of key organisations for issues/epcprotocols.htm for Energy audit survey
jargon about ‘carbon’ is not readers to ‘find out further details. techniques.
just a load of hot air. more’ The requirements to become To register your interest in
Compiled in conjunction Includes simple a member of the scheme are joining the scheme go to
with sector leaders The equations to help you as follows: www.bre.co.uk or contact
Carbon Neutral Company it: work out how to To have the required Laura Birrell at BRE Scotland:
Demystifies key media neutralise your professional criteria for 01355 576200.
SUSTAINABLE FM | APRIL 2008
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