The RICS Sustainability Award 2010 winner is the Queens University Library, Belfast. The New Library, with 2 000 reader places and accommodation for 1.5 million books, has transformed the student and staff experience at Queen’s University, Belfast replacing the previous library provision which was wholly inadequate for a student population of more than 24 000. In building the New Library, the University demolished four undistinguished 1970s era buildings with flat roofs, lightweight external cladding and poor thermal insulation properties. These buildings were energy inefficient, and made little contribution to the quality of the campus and its wider conservation area. Their demolition allowed the construction of a new sustainable building.

The New Library has proved so popular that the original opening hours have had to be extended. The aim of the design was to reduce energy loads and provide energy input as efficiently as possible.

The building was designed to be flexible, with an open-plan approach where possible. Meters enable data on energy, fuel and water consumption to be recorded and reviewed against targets on a quarterly basis. During the design and specification process, BRE Green Guide ‘A’ rated materials were selected, including 13 200 sq m of carpet tiling, aluminium curtain walling and rubber flooring. All contained a recycled element and can be refurbished or recycled after use.

The New Library is proving an invaluable resource for students at Queen’s University, Belfast . The building achieves excellence on two fronts: in terms of providing essential educational support, and through its distinction in sustainability. On both counts, it is an exceptional project, commented Jim Ure, Sustainability Judge.

Credits:: Photo by Albert Bridge, reused under Creative Commons Licence