London Road, Brighton is a six-storey, mixed-use development. It comprises of 156-bed student accommodation and communal space, as well as ground-floor retail space. The redevelopment replaces an existing building and incorporates sustainable design principles to reduce carbon emissions, enhance energy efficiency and optimise occupant wellbeing.

From the early planning stages, SRE has advised on the London Road development. We addressed energy performance and sustainability targets through a comprehensive Energy & Sustainability Statement. By integrating energy efficient measures and low carbon technologies such as air source heat pumps (ASHP) and photovoltaics (PV), the scheme achieved improvements over Building Regulations. This ensured compliance with Brighton and Hove City Council's planning policies whilst contributing to the development's ambitious sustainability goals.

In addition, we conducted a Summary Sustainability Assessment to evaluate the development's Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) aspects for investors and stakeholders. This assessment included advice on mitigating environmental challenges such as air quality and noise pollution. Our recommendations included the use of non-openable windows and filtered mechanical ventilation systems, with air intakes located away from high-pollution zones.

Our Internal Daylight Analysis required under BREEAM New Construction focused on maximising natural light within the building to meet BREEAM daylighting credits. As a result of SRE's input, daylight levels were optimised which ensured all credits for occupant wellbeing, health and productivity could be awarded.

We also carried out Thermal Bridge Analysis to assess and minimise heat loss whilst ensuring no risk of condensation or mould growth. By lowering targeted Psi-values, we further improved the development's energy performance.

To address thermal comfort, we conducted Overheating Analysis in accordance with CIBSE TM59 guidelines. Using dynamic simulation tools, we identified overheating risks and recommended a mix of passive and mechanical ventilation solutions. These recommendations established comfortable conditions both now and under future climate scenarios, ensuring climate resilience.