2021 Highlights – Sustainability / Net Zero Carbon
10 December 2021
This year QODA has worked on some exciting and ground-breaking projects leading the way in sustainable design. From securing planning permission on the UK’s largest Passivhaus Student Accommodation Scheme to completing projects where we’ve assisted with airtight and thermally robust construction details.
The QODA Net Zero team has also been involved in events across multiple sectors presenting our findings and lessons learnt at industry-leading events, through consultation meetings with design teams and end-users, as well as providing expert advice at our CPD sessions. Events have included Future of London’s Council-Led Housing Forum on Net Zero Carbon Design; Stable Event’s Education Building Forum; UK Passivhaus conference; and the Independent Schools’ Bursars Association ‘Building for the Future’.
Below is a round-up of some of our current and completed projects from this year.
Education Buildings
QODA have been appointed primarily as the Passivhaus and sustainability consultants for the University of the West of England’s Student Accommodation scheme, having previously worked with the university to produce a sustainability design guide helping to address their 2030 zero carbon targets. The project has now secured full planning and one of the key drivers is the requirement for the project to meet the Passivhaus standard.
QODA are also working with St Peter’s College, Oxford on their first Passivhaus development. Under QODA’s leadership, the college committed to the Passivhaus Low Energy Building standard as a key approach to delivering their sustainable building outcomes.
The University of Loughborough’s first Passivhaus construction project: SportPark P4 development, is also now underway. The building is expected to score Passivhaus Classic or even Passivhaus Plus! QODA are providing the MEP and sustainability design services.
Residential and Community Buildings
We are delighted to have seen a growing commitment to sustainable design amongst developers and within the residential sector. While the investment in sustainable building technologies and design is incredibly important, so too is the end-user experience and developing a relationship within the community. QODA has held community consultations within Oxford and London for various projects to ensure the developments reach high standards for all involved.
QODA are working with the University of Oxford on the renovations to the Grade II listed Court Place Gardens accommodation building. The scheme aims to achieve Net Zero Carbon for the site by adopting the Passivhaus standard, combined with renewable energy systems.
In London, QODA are working with the London Borough of Hounslow on a residential, retail, and community scheme: Convent Way. 80% of residents voted in favour of a major estate regeneration that will provide approximately 900 new net zero carbon homes, generous parks providing space for play, sports, and recreation, as well as community facilities.
QODA are also working with the London Borough of Ealing as Net Zero Carbon Champions on their extensive residential development. We will be employing Passivhaus modelling and assessment to inform the design and deliver Ealing’s commitment to carbon reduction. Ealing Council is developing their net zero carbon design guide and have identified Certified Passivhaus building as a key part of its strategy.
QODA are also delighted to see the progress throughout the year and now the completion of the Sisters of the Love of God convent, Oxford. As well as a deep refurbishment of existing buildings, a new 2000m2 wing and cottages have now been completed. QODA worked closely with the design team to develop an energy strategy that achieves close to Passivhaus performance.
A huge thank you to all the design teams, clients, and communities we have had the pleasure of working with this year.