KAJIMA’S PROPOSALS FOR THE UK’S MOST SUSTAINABLE HOSPITAL GIVEN GREEN LIGHT

The ACORN consortium, led by Kajima with lead designers White Arkitekter, has secured planning permission for the new Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff. The plans were approved by Cardiff Council’s planning committee on 16 March 2023.

The proposals for the UK’s greenest hospital feature a highly sustainable, new cancer centre for patients, staff and the local community. Velindre Cancer Centre is being developed to comply with the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and become the most sustainable hospital in the UK. The new facility will promote excellence in cancer services and support international research and development.

The scheme is targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and is designed to be all-electric. A strategy is in place to reduce site waste through off-site manufacture of components, minimise transportation and create greater efficiencies in the construction and maintenance of the hospital.

Further enhancing the building’s sustainable credentials is the use of low embodied carbon, bio-based materials that support a circular economy and promote health and wellbeing. Timber and other natural materials, such as lime and clay renders, which are breathable, flexible, and anti-fungal, will deliver a natural calming environment for staff, patients, and their families/visitors.

Sustainable Urban Drainage (SUDS) systems will be integrated that focus on ‘roof to river’ with no plastic in the ground, a swale network and a retention pond, which form attractive amenity areas for everyone to enjoy.

The development of the new hospital will see several community benefits, including job creation, apprentice opportunities, school student engagement and other substantial community initiatives. Additional community benefits proposed include a Carbon Literacy Training Programme, employment of a Ranger, Grow and Prosper Social Business Programme, Social Business Makers Market, and a Tool Library. Construction is expected to start in summer 2023.