Read about the Capital Project Team's innovative work.
With approximately 100 projects being managed by our Property Division each year, there is a lot of work happening at Imperial.
Imperial strives to constantly innovate, not only in scientific research, but in the construction industry also. See the information below for details on what the Capital Projects Team has been able to achieve, as well as the vision for Imperial's Net Zero Carbon future.
Innovation in Construction
Sir Michael Uren Hub
The 54-metre tall building is substantially made from the material developed by Sir Michael Uren – ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS).
GGBS, a by-product from making steel, replaces cement in the production of concrete. Its use as a binder reduces the carbon footprint of concrete manufacture. In this project 50:50 GGBS and cement was used.
Victor Philip Dadaleh Building
The VPD Building at the Hammersmith Campus is Imperial's first fossil-free building. This was achieved through heating and cooling systems using highly efficient air-source & water-source heat pumps. All the windows and the curtain wall in the south façade were replaced with triple-glazed windows, saving around 22% in energy for the life of the building.
Queen's Tower
Due to the fragile brickwork, as well as listed status of the tower, a 90m freestanding scaffold structure was created for restoration work. Scaffolding work commenced in October 2022 and took several months to construct. It uses 300,000 feet of tube and around 92,000 fittings. The technical difficulty of the build led to the project being featured in ScaffMag, the trade magazine for scaffolders.
Sustainable Projects
Sustainability Guide
Imperial is committed to being a leader in sustainability in all aspects of its operations, to provide what continues to be the highest level of teaching, research and student experience in the higher education sector.
The Sustainability Guide for Building Refurbishment Projects is a new initiative, building on the foundation of BREEAM for larger scale projects. This guide will apply to smaller projects, below the £5million threshold for BREEAM certification, ensuring that all aspects of development at Imperial address issues such as biodiversity loss and pollution.
Sustainability Guide for Building Refurbishment Projects (pdf)
This guide provides KPIs & targets in the following areas:
- Energy & Carbon: This area focuses on increased generation in renewable energy sources, as well as updated record keeping for embodied and whole-life carbon.
- Waste & Water: This area focuses on diverting waste from landfill, increase reuse from previous projects, and ensure fittings meet the latest water efficiency standards.
- Procurement of Materials: This area focuses on increasing recycled content, more responsible source and focusing on local procurement.
- Biodiversity: This area focuses on increasing biodiversity net gain, ensuring LHMPs are in place, and ensuring the Imperial community have nearby access to biophilia.
- Health & Wellbeing: This area focuses on increasing ventliation and filtration compliance, increasing CO₂ detection and undertake thermal comfort modelling.
This will be implemented on a phased basis starting in the 25/25 academic year, advancing Imperial's ambitions to achieve its Net Zero Carbon ambitions by 2040.
BREEAM Assessment
BREEAM Assessments (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology) are required on projects with a construction value of £5million or above.
BREEAM is an internationally recognised sustainability assessment method for masterplanning building projects, infrastructure and refurbishment. BREEAM sets sustainable benchmarks from Outstanding, Excellent, Very Good, Good and Pass.
For Imperial, using BREEAM offers several key benefits to its sustainability and Net Zero Carbon plan:
- Sustainability: BREEAM promotes environmental responsibility by encouraging energy efficiency, sustainable materials, and waste reduction, aligning with the university's sustainability goals.
- Enhanced Learning Environment: BREEAM standards improve indoor air quality, natural lighting, and thermal comfort, creating a healthier and more productive environment for students and staff.
- Marketability: A BREEAM-certified building enhances Imperial’s world class reputation, attracting students, faculty, and investors who prioritise sustainability.
- Cost Efficiency: Long-term operational cost savings are achieved through reduced energy and water use, as well as lower maintenance costs.
- Compliance and Futureproofing: BREEAM ensures compliance with current regulations and prepares the building for future sustainability requirements.
- Corporate Social Responsibility: Achieving BREEAM certification supports the university’s CSR goals and strengthens its commitment to environmental stewardship.
Overall, BREEAM ensures Imperial’s buildings are sustainable, cost-effective, and aligned with modern educational and environmental standards.
Charing Cross
Projects Ongoing
Hammersmith
CRB Refurbishment BREEAM-0098-0284 Excellent (Fit Out - 2025)
St Mary's
Wilson House BREEAM-0062-5095 Good (Fit Out - 2008)
Wilson House BREEAM-0067-3434 Excellent (New Build - 2011)
South Kensington
Great Hall BREEAM-0125-5603 Very Good (Fit Out - 2025)
Silwood Park
Projects Ongoing
White City
Michael Uren BREEAM-0083-4176 Excellent (New Build - 2020)
Michael Uren BREEAM-0089-7009 Very Good (Fit Out - 2024)
Scale Space BREEAM-0096-5418 Very Good (New Build - 2023)
Grad Pad BREEAM-0051-1444 Excellent (New Build - 2014)
I-Hub BREEAM-0071-5409 Excellent (New Build - 2018)
MSRH BREEAM-0096-5418 Very Good (New Build - 2023)
