A major milestone has been reached with the building phase of the Rosalind Franklin Institute now complete. The building, which sits on the Harwell Campus, will open in 2021. The next stage of development is the commissioning phase when all components and systems within the building are installed and tested prior to building occupation.
Paul McCubbin, The Franklin’s Chief Operating Officer said, “Completing this stage of the construction is a significant step forward, and the build team at Mace are to be especially commended for their continued commitment to delivering the building during a global pandemic.”
Throughout the building phase the sustainability at the site has been monitored and assessed, and we are on track to receive a BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) ‘Very Good’ rating. This rating is a reflection of The Franklin’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
The BREEAM rating is calculated by assessing ten key factors: energy, land use to ecology, transport, health and wellbeing, innovation, pollution, waste, materials, water, and management.
As part of sustainability measures, by working with Community Wood Recycling, Mace were able to save 50 tonnes of wood waste from going to landfill. This scheme saves resources, and also helps create jobs in the local community. Throughout the construction project, the Hub has been amongst the top rated Mace sites for sustainable construction, rating Gold or Platinum at every stage.
Once finished, the building will be the heart of the Institute with member universities across the UK. Research is already underway at member universities to develop technologies which will allow us to better visualise the building block of life – the cell. These technologies will be transitioned into the building once it is complete.
Professor James Naismith, The Franklin’s Director said, “Mace have shown that even complex science buildings can reach high environmental standards without increasing costs. The whole Franklin team takes pride in the building, the science we do and the face we present. Our goal is for the country to be proud of the Franklin.”