Proposals - Sustainability

Sustainability is central to the design brief and a full environmental impact assessment has been undertaken, which demonstrates that the scheme will deliver:

  • An excellent BREEAM* sustainability rating for the sports and leisure centre
    • Only one other sports centre in the UK has achieved an excellent BREEAM assessment to date
  • A very good EcoHomes* sustainability rating for all homes

*BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) assesses the environmental quality of buildings and the design issues that affect the global environment, local environment and the health and well being of building occupants. EcoHomes is BREEAM's environmental assessment method for housing.

Energy Efficiency

  • A naturally ventilated development focused on maximizing energy efficiency to reduce CO2 emissions
  • Plate heat exchanger recovering up to 85% of otherwise lost energy
  • Chilled water from absorption chiller to recover otherwise lost energy
  • Fully integrated Building Energy Management System to optimize energy efficiency throughout the development.
  • Energy efficient lighting and controls
  • Variable speed drives on fans and pumps

Renewable Energy

  • Combined Heat and Power technology using environmentally friendly BioDiesel fuel
  • Solar energy panels on the roofs of the towers and a number of themid-rise buildings providing renewable energy for a proportion of the homes
  • Large wind turbines incorporated on the roofs of the towers
  • Solar powered external lighting

Water Saving Measures, including:

  • Recycling water from the swimming pool circulation system to flush toilets and wash-down areas in the sports centre saving approximately 1500m3 of water per year
  • Water efficiency measures to achieve a further 8% reduction in domestic water usage

Waste and Recycling

  • Integrated recycling facilities for all areas of the development
  • Public waste recycling facilities on-site

Sustainable Materials

  • Building materials will be chosen for their durability and ability to patinate well in this seafront location.
  • Materials will be A rated for sustainability, the highest rating as specified in the Green Guide to Specification for Building Materials.
  • All timber will be from sustainable sources

Measures to Enhance the Ecology of the Site, including

  • Extensive living green walls with native planting that will provide insulation and enhance the micro-climate and bio-diversity of the local eco system
  • Vegetated shingle roofs with native planting that will enhance the micro-climate and bio-diversity of the local eco-system
    • Vegetated shingle is a nationally rare habitat type of international conservation importance
  • Extensive native, wildlife-friendly planting throughout the development
  • Nesting boxes for peregrine falcons

Security and Community Benefits

  • The entire scheme has been designed to meet Police 'Secured by Design'* principles
  • Karis Holdings is committed to sustainability in the wider context and has drawn up a unique agreement with the Transport and General Workers Union for employment and training during the construction of the scheme. The Agreement will ensure employment and real training opportunities for local people and has the support of Brighton and Hove City Council, the Learning and Skills Councils and Brighton and Hove City College. It has alos been welcomed by the TUC and the Sector Skills Development Agency as a model of best practice.

*Secured by Design is an award by the Police for developments that are designed to reduce the opportunity for crime and anti-social behaviour and which create a safer and more secure enviornment