Tarmac Sustainability Report

The competition forms part of the students’ ongoing course work; each participating university identified a suitable building/site for the competition. This identified building was then developed, in detail, to Passivhaus principles with students learning about the importance of the inherent properties of construction materials and these can be used to contribution to the building performance. For example, the thermal mass properties of concrete can play a major role in reducing energy used by a building, lowing energy costs and reducing carbon emissions. Cross disciplinary working between built environment disciplines is also encouraged as part of the competition.

Building on the success of previous competitions, the current competition launched in 2016 includes students from the University of Nottingham, University of Sheffield, University of Bath, University of the West of England and Oxford Brookes University. Working with talented young architecture, engineering & planning students is key to supporting their development, and unlocking creative design ideas that place whole life sustainability at the forefront. The products and solutions we create play a fundamental role in creating a more sustainable built environment and sustainable communities.

Student entries will be judged by a panel of experts at the end of the university year, with awards presented at the Passivhaus Trust Annual Conference later in 2017. We are very much looking forward to seeing what design ideas the students produce.