At Willmott Dixon, we aim to deliver net zero embodied carbon on all projects by 2040.
Initially, we measured upfront embodied carbon of the new £26.4 million four-storey specialist teaching building. Then through early engagement with the customer Chichester College Group and supply chain partner Barrett Steel, we found significant embodied carbon savings could be achieved by using steel produced in an electric arc furnace (EAF) to create the building’s frame.
Steel produced via electric arc furnaces (EAF) is made up of entirely of scrap steel and does not require virgin steel to be manufactured via a basic oxygen furnace (BOF), an energy intensive process using coal-based fuel to melt iron at very high temperatures.
Modelling completed by our steel fabricator, Snashall Steel, showed using EAF steel resulted in embodied carbon emissions of 261 tonnes CO2e, whereas conventional steel would have resulted in embodied carbon emissions of 723 tonnes.
As well as delivering an embodied carbon reduction of 64% (462 tonnes) the EAF steel was also procured at lower cost than conventional steel, showing how sustainably produced materials can save both cost and carbon.
Jim Shepperd, Project Surveyor, said: "We know from our portfolio of embodied carbon assessments that for new build projects, the biggest embodied carbon reduction opportunities are in the substructure and frame. Because the electric arc furnace product makes use of a high proportion of recycled scrap and uses lower temperatures during production it comes with significant carbon savings.
"When we engaged with our supply chain partner, Snashall Steel, we discovered the electric arc furnace product they were offering was actually more cost effective than the alternative and did not result in any delays to or impacts on programme."
Due to open in 2025, the STEM and HE Centre will combine high levels of energy efficiency and renewable energy generation to support the Chichester College Group’s journey towards net zero carbon and achieve BREEAM Very Good rating.
Rob Kay, Director of Estates at Chichester College Group, said: "Our new STEM and HE Centre puts sustainability top of the agenda and is fully aligned with the Association of College’s climate change mission and the Department of Education’s net zero targets."
“This new specialist building will train students in advanced STEM technologies, with sustainability included in all curriculum teaching at the college. Once completed, the building will include roof-mounted solar panels, generating 100% renewable electricity to power the air sourced heat pumps and variable refrigerant flow systems that heat and cool the building.
"In addition to the carbon saved from the steel frame, this helps us improve efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and achieve net zero carbon in operation."
Chichester STEM and HE Centre: The first floor will house dedicated suites for engineering and computing, and the second floor will host an array of modern science laboratories. The top floor will be a dedicated Higher Education Centre offering a range of university level courses.
