Aurora earns top BREEAM award

LISTEN: Aurora in Bristol is the only building outside London to scoop a BREEAM Outstanding accreditation in its latest assessment category. The 95,000 sq ft building, achieved the BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ design stage certificate under the BREEAM New Construction 2014 for Offices assessment category – which is the very latest guidance from BREEAM. The development is Bristol’s only speculative office and is part of Finzels Reach, the quarter being created by Bristol-based developer Cubex. The sustainability-oriented building is also one of only six in the UK to have this accreditation. The building’s energy efficiency measures include a heat recovery system, which reuses waste heat and supplies fresh air to workers. Solar panels will generate 29,800 kWh per year of renewable energy. Intelligent LED lighting will respond to daylight and the movement of people within the building automatically. The scheme will also include 51 secure car-parking spaces, electric car charging points and secure motorcycle and bicycle storage. Cubex expects the building to be ready for fit-out by the end of 2017. Gavin Bridge, director of Cubex, spoke to EG about the future of development in the city. He said: “Aurora has now set a benchmark for sustainable office development in the city. “Sustainability has played a key role in the design of Aurora, whose key features include including rooftop-mounted solar panels, intelligent LED lighting, water-saving technology and an emphasis on creating a healthy environment in which to work. “It will also offer a roof terrace garden with views across the city, as well as bicycle storage facilities, lockers and showers on site.” • To send feedback, e-mail shekha.vyas@estatesgazette.com or tweet @ShekhaV or @estatesgazette