PEARL is the first UCL building classified as net zero carbon
UCL's PEARL building in Dagenham, east London, has received an A+ rating for energy performance, making it UCL's first net zero carbon building, with the export of surplus energy from solar panels expected to make it carbon negative. According to the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which categorises buildings from A+ to G, newly built similar properties are most likely to be rated as 34 D rating or worse. PEARL's (Person-Environment-Activity Research Laboratory) CO2 rating of -9 A is due to strong levels of thermal performance, efficient mechanical and electrical systems and UCL's largest installation of photovoltaic solar panels covering the entire roof. The construction project - which completed in April 2020 - also incorporated a wide range of additional sustainability features, covering health and wellbeing, water efficiency and ecological management. There was a keen focus on low-impact, responsibly sourced construction materials and waste minimisation as part of a 'circular economy' approach to building design. The building is also expected to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating for overall environmental performance. PEARL's Director, Professor Nick Tyler (UCL Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering), said: "We all have a responsibility to take action on climate change.
