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DSSR was appointed in 2006 as engineering consultants for the design of a new Humanities Building for Queen Mary University in London. Sustainability was high on the agenda, with the building seeking to achieve 'Sustainability Best Practice' through the use of natural ventilation wherever possible and high levels of natural light.

DSSR offered a full appraisal of renewable energy options on the project, including solar water heating, ground and air source heat pumps and biomass boilers. The completed building incorporates a number of innovative sustainable features, including the use of ground source heat pumps to provide nearly 15% of the building's total energy requirements, significantly reducing carbon emissions.

Computer simulations were carried out by DSSR to determine the exact levels of ventilation and air change rates required for each space within the building. The orientation is such that the majority of naturally ventilated spaces face north, away from the busy and traffic-polluted Mile End Road. A double-skin glazed buffer zone offers acoustic reduction to the south façade, while simultaneously acting as a circulation space. Carefully designed solar shading prevents the building from overheating in summer months.

The target of a 20% improvement on the requirements outlined in the building regulations for the energy performance of the building envelope was comfortably achieved on the project. This is in line with the University's commitment to Carbon Trust.

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