QUB Library 'Most Sustainable Building'

A Belfast building's green credentials have been recognised by a panel of international judges.

The McClay Library at Queen's University won the RICS Sustainability Award 2010 with the presentation taking place at a gala event in the Guildhall in London, hosted by Michael Portillo.

More than 450 building projects entered the RICS Awards which are regarded as the 'Oscars' of the built and natural environment.

The McClay Library at Queen's was one of only four category winners. It finished ahead of shortlisted projects including dozens of public and private sector projects from across the UK and internationally. Project of the Year was awarded to Derby College's ambitious £48m regeneration project, the Roundhouse campus.

The project team for the construction of the McClay Library at Queen's included architects Robinson Patterson Partnership and Shepley Bulfinch, Richardson & Abbott; quantity surveyor Hood McGowan Kirk; structural, mechanical and electrical engineer Buro Happold; and contractor O'Hare & McGovern.

Judges said that the 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. 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, aluminum 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, the judges noted.

"This project illustrates the capacity of chartered surveyors and other building professionals in Northern Ireland to have a hugely positive impact in economic and social terms. When resources are tight, it is more important than ever to ensure that buildings are as efficient as possible and provide maximum benefit to communities," said Ben Collins RICS NI Director.

Gary Jebb, QUB Director of Estates, commented: "The McClay Library reflects the University’s commitment to scholarship, the environment, and the future. Sustainability was a critical factor in its design and construction, in keeping with the University's environmental policy, and we are obviously delighted that this has been recognised by the RICS."

(GK)