University of Brighton

The SB&WRC project is supported by the European program Interreg VA France (Channel) England and receives financial support from the ERDF.

A former polytechnic, the University of Brighton was established in 1992. It has an annual budget of £165m with 21,000 students and 2,600 staff.  The university has capitalised on its strong links with industry and built up its research portfolio through continuing to work with local businesses and social enterprises in the community. The University of Brighton has a reputation for delivering significant social, cultural and economic impact from our research. The last Research Excellence Framework (REF) confirmed our position as one of the top 60 institutions in the UK in the quality research league tables and ranked us 27 out of 128 universities for our world-leading research impact.

The UoB SB&WRC team in the School of Architecture & Design (soAD) designed and delivered the UK’s first A+ Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rated dwelling in 2008. This was also the first contemporary building in Europe made from 90% organic, replenishable materials.  In 2014 the team built “The Waste House” - Europe’s first permanent building made of 90% waste material. 

As a partner of the Sustainable Bio & Waste Resources for Construction (SB&WRC) Interreg 5a France Chanel England (FCE), the University of Brighton has been tasked with designing and producing one of three prototypes aimed at producing innovative low-carbon thermal insulants made from bio-based and recycled materials. University of Brighton academics Duncan Baker-Brown (soAD), Nick Gant (soAD) and Dr. Ryan Woodard (SET) will source bio-based and textile waste material local to the Brighton area. The University of Brighton’s prototype will be distinctive as it will be self-weathered and finished to its external face with a lime-based render composed of waste terracotta and other material.

Prototype insulation panels constructed with this material will be fixed to The Waste House situated on the University’s Grand Parade campus http://arts.brighton.ac.uk/projects/wastehouse/learn-about-the-waste-house) to be monitored for thermal insulation performance.

Website: https://www.brighton.ac.uk/index.aspx

The SB&WRC project is supported by the European program Interreg VA France (Channel) England and receives financial support from the ERDF.