Construction and estate
Kingston University is committed to building a sustainable estate. Find out about our Estates and Facilities strategy, our sustainable development goals and our recent investments in sustainable constructions.
Putting the environment first across our campuses
Our commitment to sustainability is at the forefront of all new developments.
Our Estates and Facilities Strategy, has the mission statement to: “Achieve a high quality, sustainable and compliant estate that enhances the experience of students, staff and visitors while enabling the University to meet its objectives.”
Our commitment to the environment and sustainability is at the core of new developments and refurbishments. All our new and refurbished building projects follow a ‘Standard Specification and Design Guide' and campus-specific ‘Construction Management Plans'.
These plans and guides ensure sustainability standards are adhered to throughout each project. They also help identify, control and mitigate potential environmental impacts that could happen during construction and refurbishment.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Our practices tie in with the United Nations SDGs. These goals aim to transform our world and promote prosperity for all while protecting our planet.
The University's policy on estates supports 'Sustainable cities and communities', 'Responsible consumption and production' and 'Climate action'.
Our investment
We have invested in developing a sustainable built estate.
Find out more about our recent projects below.
The Agile Working Hub Pilot Project in Penrhyn Road, Main Building, achieved SKA Gold in June 2022. The new Kingston School of Art (KSA) design studios also in Penrhyn Road Main Building achieved SKA Gold in August 2023. This is the highest level possible for a Fit-Out Sustainability Assessment.
Features of both projects include:
- Secondary glazing
- Additional insulation
- Natural ventilation with more efficient lighting
- Heating with appropriate environmental material specifications
Our new Town House Building, which opened in 2020, has been rated BREEAM ‘Excellent' for its many sustainable features. These features include:
- A photovoltaic array
- A large sustainable urban drainage system (SUDS)
- A thermally active building system (TABS) for underfloor cooling
- Multiple brown roofs
- Two roof gardens and increased public landscaped areas
The new gardens and landscaped areas have been designed to support biodiversity. They also provide greater space, amenity and access for pedestrians.
In 2019, our Knights Park Campus underwent a major extension. The extension achieved BREEAM 'Outstanding'. Some features of the extension include:
- A 52% reduction in operational carbon emissions
- Green roofs supporting biodiversity and aiding rainwater attenuation on the functional flood plain
- Solar shading canopies incorporated into the south façade to reduce peak solar gain by 60%
- Showers to encourage cycling and support Kingston University's sustainable travel commitments
Get in touch to talk about sustainability
Got a question about sustainability at Kingston University?
Call us on +44 (0)7767 932944 or send us an email.
You can also visit us in person at:
Estates and Sustainability
Services Building
Penrhyn Road Campus
Kingston upon Thames
KT1 2EE
United Kingdom
