Uliving’s project at Essex had a very challenging timescale, with less than a year to hand the accommodation over to the University. The key to achieving this was the successful collaboration of different partners and the commitment and expertise of everyone involved. The project was delivered on time, completing in September 2013.

The buildings were designed in accordance with the University’s Master Plan and the Borough Council’s Urban Design Framework.  In developing our proposals we were able to demonstrate that the massing of the buildings complemented both the existing built environment and that envisaged within the master plan.

As a result of this proactive approach, the scheme achieved BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC ‘A’ ratings, as well as Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes.

Uliving has maintained a positive approach to sustainability whilst managing the scheme, implementing a number of measures, including; minimising the volume of waste created through careful management of site activities; maximising the volumes of residual waste that could be recycled; using recycled and recyclable (non-timber) shuttering; incorporating energy-efficient fittings in welfare accommodation and using a skip-washing unit incorporating a water recycling system.

In the summer of 2015, Uliving received the ANUK accreditation for its accommodation at Essex. Launched in 2008, the ANUK National Code of Standards for Student Accommodation is designed to regulate large student landlords, ensuring that a good standard of accommodation is being delivered to students.

To ensure the Code is being run effectively and to provide feedback from the students themselves, one of the key stakeholders is the National Union of Students. Their seat on the board makes sure student voices are heard on the management and complaints procedures of the Code.

The University of Hertfordshire has more than 27,700 students of which 3,600 are international students from over 85 different countries.

The University also has a global alumni network of over 165,000. In 2011, Hertfordshire was ranked 10th for the quality of research and 8th for quality of teaching. Created in 1952, it rapidly became a centre of excellence in mechanical and aeronautical engineering.

Funding has been provided through an index linked unwrapped private bond placement with a maturity of c. 41 years. This innovative project bond financing is the first of its kind to be implemented in Europe and gives Uliving access to particularly long term financing provided by institutional investors as an alternative to traditional shorter term banking solutions.

The University of Hertfordshire’s Student Accommodation Scheme is set to be a market leader in sustainability representing an exciting first in its sector. The new buildings will achieve a ‘True’ Zero Carbon accreditation and meet BREEAM Outstanding standards.

The village, located a mile away from the Francis Close campus, will be a flagship development that provides first years, international students and postgraduates wishing to stay in university managed accommodation with a safe, well managed and high quality living environment.

As well as development of student accommodation,  a refectory, bar, gym, study space and offices for over 100 members of University of Gloucestershire staff will be integrated into this state of the art development.

The scheme will also obtain a BREEAM Excellent rating. BREEAM sets the standard for best practice in sustainable building design, construction and operation and has become one of the most comprehensive and widely recognised measures of a building's environmental performance

The build and refurbishment is integral to the University of Gloucestershire’s strategic commitment to be “centred on students”.

The university has more than 10,000 students of which nearly 10% are international from more than 44 different countries. The university also has a global alumni network of more than 40,000. Created over 150 years ago, it rapidly became a centre of excellence in sustainability and art.