Will Edge Hill take the green 'Oscar'?

Edge Hill has been shortlisted for the Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Development Award in the 2008 ‘Oscars' of the University world.

The University received the accolade from the Times Higher for the new eco-friendly £14m Teaching and Learning Faculty of Health building opened in June 2008 on the Ormskirk campus.

The ‘flagship' building provides an exceptional teaching and learning environment and has set the standard for sustainable buildings within the university sector.

Along with an 850-seater lecture theatre, the building also houses operating theatres and robot-style mannequins, which can simulate conditions from pregnancy to a temperature.

The ‘live energy' wall, situated inside the faculty, is the first in a higher education building. The wall changes colour as more energy is used, reminding staff and students to turn off electrical equipment which is not being used.

Renewable energy is used throughout the building, including a natural underground water source from the nearby lake, channelled through pumps and heated using solar power.

Solar thermal panels currently provide over 50% of the building's hot water demand.

Edge Hill University estimates that the building will reduce the campus' carbon emissions by at least 85 tonnes per year.

The building has several innovative features which enhance its green credentials. These include high-efficiency lighting, infra-red activated taps and high-performance insulation, which combined save an estimated 65 tonnes of CO2 annually.

The introduction of Sun Ray computers throughout the building has lead to a 61% saving in energy consumption.

Dr John Cater, Vice-Chancellor of Edge Hill University said: "As we embark on the next stage of our £220m campus developments, the lessons learned from this innovative development will underpin our aim of making Edge Hill a truly sustainable University.

"To be shortlisted for this award has given all in involved in the development of Edge Hill University a clear indication that we are heading in the right direction, and that our green credentials as a University will go from strength to strength."

The winner of the Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Development Award 2008 will be announced at a glittering ceremony at the Grosvenor, London on Thursday, 23 October.

Edge Hill was shortlisted for the Times Higher University of the Year award 2007.