Latest news with #BREEAMExcellent
Scotsman
09-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
New Hires and Leadership Promotion at ECD Architects
Glasgow-based ECD Architects has announced a senior leadership promotion, while the firm also hires two new senior designers and as it continues to meet growing demand for energy efficient, Passivhaus certified buildings in the housing, education and public sectors. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Alistair Cameron has been promoted to Joint Managing Director, with specific responsibility for Scotland, while Donald Simpson and Ron Nkomba have joined the practice as Associate Directors. Alistair Cameron steps up from Director, marking another successful milestone in his career with ECD Architects. He joined the practice in 2009 and has been instrumental in the delivery of major projects including the £12million BREEAM Excellent, new build Stevenson HIVE facility for the University of Glasgow, the refurbishment and reconfiguration of the historic Royal College, and the development of building decarbonisation plans for the University of Strathclyde, University of Dundee and the University of Edinburgh. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In his new role, Alistair will work alongside Joint Managing Director James Traynor, who has responsibility for the practice's delivery in England. Certified Passivhaus designer, Donald Simpson, has been appointed by ECD Architects Commenting on his promotion, Alistair, said: 'It's a particularly exciting and significant time for the development of energy efficient and environmentally conscious buildings, both here in Scotland and across the UK. We're involved in the Passivhaus Trusts' industry-wide initiative to promote the review of the Scottish equivalent for the Passivhaus standard, and there's growing interest in how the Standard's principles can reduce energy costs and emissions, while also improving wellbeing for building users. Our Joint Managing Director structure enhances our capabilities to effectively meet this growing intrigue and demand.' Certified Passivhaus Designer, Donald Simpson, has over 20 years of experience, including several award-winning and complex University developments and refurbishments, as well as the leadership of largescale University campus masterplans. He joins a team of 16 Certified Passivhaus Designers at ECD, which is pioneering the UK adoption of the Passivhaus Standard and principles to optimise building energy performance and support sustainability goals. Ron Nkomba also has extensive education experience, including the delivery of three RIBA award winning schools, as well as experience in the residential and workplace sectors. In his new role, he'll draw on his 20 years of experience to support the London team overseeing and managing a variety of their new build and retrofit projects, working with public and private sector clients across the sectors. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad James Traynor, added: 'Factors such as the Government's school rebuilding programme, education sector goals to improve energy efficiency, reduce building and estate running costs, transition to net zero, and enhance the comfort of learning environments, are all creating curiosity about Passivhaus. This is also driving appetite among other public-sector organisations, and we're developing our team to stay ahead of demand. Senior hire Ron Nkomba has been hired by ECD Architects 'Highly experienced, knowledgeable architects like Donald and Ron bring a wealth of insights that fit perfectly with our team, and we're looking forward to further advancing the development of Passivhaus Certified buildings throughout the UK.' Passivhaus is a technical standard that provides a design and construction process to ensure quality and deliver low energy buildings which can be externally certified. It adopts a whole-building approach based on clear, measured targets for a building's energy performance, airtightness and thermal comfort.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Scandic deepens presence with new hotel in Tromsø, Norway
Nordic hotel operator Scandic has expanded its portfolio in Tromsø, Norway, with the launch of its sixth signature hotel, The Dock 69°39. This addition brings 305 new rooms to the city, bolstering the brand's footprint in Scandinavia. Featuring 12 floors and covering 17,300m², The Dock 69°39 will be a part of the developing Vervet district. Prior to this opening, Scandic managed two hotels in Tromsø, offering a total of 390 rooms. Scandic Norway chief operating officer Asle Prestegard said: 'It is with great pleasure that we can now welcome guests to our newest signature hotel. 'The Dock 69°39 by Scandic is a unique hotel that we expect to be a natural meeting place for visitors, as it so precisely meets the growing demand from leisure travellers discovering Northern Norway and Northern Europe.' In alignment with Scandic's green goals, the hotel bears the Nordic Swan Ecolabel and adheres to the BREEAM Excellent certification standards. The hotel offers a range of amenities, including a rooftop bar, a wellness area with a sauna, and the Upper Dock Brasserie & Bar on the tenth floor. It also offers eight conference and meeting rooms that can accommodate groups ranging from eight to 200 individuals. Scandic's portfolio of signature hotels also features establishments across Norway, Sweden, and Finland. The company has around 280 hotels with 58,000 hotel rooms, both operational and in the pipeline, across six countries. This expansion in Tromsø follows Scandic's announcement of its plans to grow its Swedish presence with a new alpine hotel in Sälen, anticipated to open in time for the 2027/2028 winter season. "Scandic deepens presence with new hotel in Tromsø, Norway" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
IHG signs dual-branded hotel complex in Central London
IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a dual-branded hotel complex in Waterloo, Central London, featuring the voco hotel and Hotel Indigo & Suites brands. This development, in partnership with Palm Holdings, is expected to open in the last quarter of 2028 and marks a milestone for IHG's growth in the UK and Ireland. IHG Hotels & Resorts Europe Development vice president Willemijn Geels said: 'Our dual-branded property, voco London – Waterloo and Hotel Indigo & Suites London – Waterloo will mark a significant milestone in IHG's growth across the UK and Ireland as it unites two of our celebrated brands and introduces an exciting new offering to Europe with Hotel Indigo & Suites. 'As we continue to grow IHG's footprint across the UK and Ireland—with 363 hotels currently open and 33 more in the pipeline—we look forward to welcoming guests to both properties.' The 182-room voco property will become part of IHG's premium brand portfolio, while the 172-room Hotel Indigo & Suites will be the first of its kind in Europe, joining IHG's luxury and lifestyle collection. Both properties will offer a range of shared amenities tailored to both leisure and business travellers, including restaurants, bars, cafés, a gym, and a business centre. Palm Holdings managing director Ricky Kapoor said: 'Sustainability is at the forefront of this project which is why we are targeting BREEAM Excellent certification. As such, will incorporate Air Source Heat Pumps and Solar Panels—ensuring no fossil fuels are combusted on-site and operations are backed by renewable energy. 'We've assembled a world-class team to bring this project to life, including Studio Moren (Architecture and Interior Design), HTS Structural Engineers, Applied Energy MEP Consultants, Phill Allen Landscape Design, Planet Food & Beverage Consultants, DP9 Planning Consultants, TTP Transport Consultants and Gardiner and Theobold, Project Managers and Cost Consultants among others.' The new voco property will join a growing portfolio of 16 voco hotels, encompassing recent additions such as voco Zeal Exeter Science Park and voco Lythe Hill Hotel & Spa. The Hotel Indigo & Suites London hotel will complement IHG's 19 existing Hotel Indigo properties, with more openings on the horizon, including Hotel Indigo London – Clerkenwell and Hotel Indigo Leeds. Earlier in 2025, IHG revealed a significant expansion in the UK and Ireland with agreement finalisations for eight new hotels, adding over 900 rooms to key locations such as Leeds, London, and Reading. "IHG signs dual-branded hotel complex in Central London" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
South Wales Argus
04-06-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Eco-friendly Cwmbran school construction phase completed
Morgan Sindall Construction finished the first part of its new build for Maendy Primary School in Cwmbran on May 27. The new development will replace the old school building, which will be demolished next year. The two-storey structure, which will accommodate 420 pupils over 16 classrooms, will be net zero carbon in operation. The May completion date saw the construction team deliver the main school building, rear playground, multi-use games area, and individual play zones, all of which have now been handed over to the council. The project was started in March 2024 and will be completed in January 2026. The final part of the construction project will see the demolition of the old school building and the creation of a new access road, a car park with electric vehicle charging points, sports fields, and a dedicated Forest School area. The building was designed to achieve a BREEAM Excellent certification and has 700 square metres of solar PV panels on its southern roof pitch, contributing to its net zero carbon in operation status. The project has taken on Morgan Sindall Construction's '10 Tonne Carbon Challenge' and has already achieved a saving of 10.3 tonnes of CO₂e. Notable initiatives include using reusable Kentledge blocks instead of traditional concrete foundations for site hoarding – a solution that allows for movement between phases without requiring new foundations. The project has also involved the local community, with Morgan Sindall engaging pupils through educational activities, such as assemblies, construction site safety sessions, and Carbon Literacy and sustainable design workshops for Years 5 and 6. The company is further supporting the school through its sponsorship of the Healthy Dragons initiative, delivered in partnership with the Dragons RFC Community Team. The programme promotes wellbeing, healthy lifestyles, and confidence-building among pupils. The team has also donated materials for the creation of hedgehog houses, now in place within the school's Forest School area, enhancing opportunities for environmental learning and wildlife conservation. An internal drop-off area is also being developed to alleviate existing roadside congestion during peak times. Robert Williams, area director for Morgan Sindall in Wales, said: "We're making excellent progress on the new Maendy Primary School, which will provide a high-quality, sustainable learning environment for children in Cwmbran. "The successful handover of Phase 1, the main school building, marks a significant milestone in our journey to deliver net zero carbon buildings that promote both educational achievement and environmental responsibility. "Our engagement with pupils throughout the build has been particularly rewarding. "Initiatives like the Carbon Literacy workshops not only enrich the curriculum but help inspire the next generation to consider careers in construction and understand the importance of sustainable practices."
Business News Wales
04-06-2025
- Business News Wales
Cwmbran Net Zero School Development Hits Phase 1 Milestone
Morgan Sindall Construction's team has successfully completed Phase 1 of the new Maendy Primary School in Cwmbran, officially handing over the state-of-the-art facility to Torfaen County Borough Council. Started in March 2024, the project involves the development of a new two-storey, net zero carbon in operation primary school, designed to accommodate 420 pupils across 16 classrooms. The 2,184 sq-m facility will replace the existing school and provide a modern, sustainable learning environment. Phase 1 has delivered the main school building, a rear playground, a multi-use games area (MUGA), and individual play zones adjacent to classrooms. Phase 2, on track for completion in January 2026, will see the demolition of the old school building, followed by the creation of additional facilities. These will include a new access road, a car park with electric vehicle charging points, extensive sports fields, and a dedicated Forest School area. Designed to achieve a BREEAM Excellent certification, the school boasts a robust all-brick clad steel structure and incorporates 700 sq-m of solar PV panels on its southern roof pitch, contributing significantly to its net zero carbon in operation status. The building has also been strategically oriented to optimise energy efficiency while maintaining practical and inspiring spaces for teaching and learning. In alignment with Morgan Sindall Construction's Responsible Business strategy, the project has adopted the company's 10 Tonne Carbon Challenge, aimed at driving down carbon emissions through collaboration and innovation. Working closely with consultants and supply chain partners, the team has already exceeded its target, achieving a saving of 10.3 tonnes of CO₂e. Notable initiatives include the use of reusable Kentledge blocks in place of traditional concrete foundations for site hoarding – a solution that allows for movement between phases without the need for new foundations. Morgan Sindall has engaged pupils through a series of educational activities, including assemblies, construction site safety sessions, and Carbon Literacy and sustainable design workshops for Years 5 and 6. The company is further supporting the school through its sponsorship of the Healthy Dragons initiative, delivered in partnership with the Dragons RFC Community Team. The programme promotes wellbeing, healthy lifestyles, and confidence-building among pupils. As part of its biodiversity efforts, the team has donated materials for the creation of hedgehog houses, now in place within the school's Forest School area, enhancing opportunities for environmental learning and wildlife conservation. To address local infrastructure challenges, the project also includes the development of an internal drop-off area, designed to alleviate existing roadside congestion during peak times. Robert Williams, Area Director for Morgan Sindall in Wales, said: 'We're making excellent progress on the new Maendy Primary School, which will provide a high-quality, sustainable learning environment for children in Cwmbran. 'The successful handover of Phase 1, the main school building, marks a significant milestone in our journey to deliver net zero carbon buildings that promote both educational achievement and environmental responsibility. 'Our engagement with pupils throughout the build has been particularly rewarding. Initiatives like the Carbon Literacy workshops not only enrich the curriculum but help inspire the next generation to consider careers in construction and understand the importance of sustainable practices.'
