University of Bradford

Client: ABG Geosynthetics

The new £5.2 million four-storey, 2,000m² Sustainability and Enterprise Centre (SEC) at University of Bradford not only achieved the world’s highest pre-construction BREEAM score of 94.95%, it also attained the top BREEAM “Outstanding” rating.

Ecology played a significant role in the SEC’s environmental strategy and BREEAM performance, and an integral part of this was the new biodiverse green roof and its eco-planting specification.

Boningale GreenSky was commissioned by ABG, who designed and installed the biodiverse roof through its installation division’ Geogreen Solutions, to produce a variety of species that would encourage the development of flora and fauna in line with the project’s eco-brief – the choice also needed to include plants that would have an instant visual appeal.

Varieties, supplied by Green Sky, comprised a good mix of both sedum and wildflower plug plants to meet the biodiverse theme, and assortments of Dwarf Buddleja Blue Chips, Viburnum Lantana and Rosa Canina to attract bugs and pollinating insects.

Maggie Fennell: “The high ecological standards required by this project provided an opportunity to explore the wide range of plants that can be successfully used on an intensive green roof to recreate fantastic natural spaces. With the right support and maintenance, these biodiverse can provide great support for wildlife whilst also creating lush and stimulating views for the building occupants.”