Sustainable buildings
The University of Oxford Sustainable Buildings Policy is to build environmentally sustainable buildings and embed sustainable building best practice into the management of the Estate.
The University will ensure that any new building or refurbishment is planned, built and occupied to ensure the greatest energy and water efficiency and lowest carbon emissions that are reasonable in the circumstances.
The University is committed to making full use of its existing buildings and wherever possible when expansion is necessary, to the development of sites within walking or cycling distance of the remainder of the University.
The University's new Biochemistry building's glass roof has integrated
photovoltaic panels providing shading as well as contributing to the
building's energy needs. Below them, in the ceiling of the atrium, white
fabric sails help to direct sunlight away from workspaces.