A sustainable commitment to sporting excellent

Success story: Manchester Metropolitan University

• 1037 TONNES CO2e EMBODIED CARBON SAVED DURING DESIGN, EQUATING TO 2.6 MILLION CAR MILES

Ranked as one of the most sustainable universities in the UK for a decade, Manchester Metropolitan has a firm commitment to sustainable development practices. In July 2020, work began at 99 Oxford Road to transform the old Students’ Union offices into the Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport.

Demolition was minimised and existing furniture and materials were salvaged, recycled and redistributed around the campus to reduce the need for new natural resources.

During the build, a high performing thermal envelope was created which approaches Passivhaus standards. Retained existing walls were over-clad with insulation to improve energy performance and solar panels were installed.  

In addition, the project also installed systems which helped reduce the ongoing environmental impact including reduced water usage, leak detection systems and highly efficient building services. Manchester Metropolitan also worked in partnership with an Ecological Consultant to ensure the environmental impact during the build was minimal.   

The Institute of Sport is a living laboratory with a suite of testing infrastructure installed to allow researchers to analyse the performance of the building.

“This project adopted a ‘lean, mean and green’ approach from the start. The new site is committed to making a real impact on the world around us, now – and for generations to come.”

Ian Christon, Assistant Director of Communications, Manchester Metropolitan University