Swansea University is a research-led University that was first opened in 1920. Set in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula, the University has 15,921 students and 2,510 staff and prides itself on providing an environment of research excellence, and delivering an outstanding student experience. As part of this commitment, the University embarked on an ambitious campus expansion and development programme that will enable it to double in size and further enhance the student experience.
The university’s new 65-acre Bay Campus, which is located on an old BP Transit site, is now home to the College of Engineering and School Management students. It will be home to almost 5,000 students and 1,000 staff. The new campus is one of the biggest knowledge economy projects in Europe, and one of just a few in the world that has direct access to a beach and its own seafront promenade.
Planning for the project, which was developed by regeneration specialist, St. Modwen, began more than 10 years ago, and has taken just over two years to build. Following it’s formal opening, a phased opening of other amenities has followed which include a sports hall, gym, music rooms, creche, student union, laundrette, bar & dining room and a café bar, with an additional 545 student accommodation rooms now available.
Background to installation
As part of Swansea University’s ambitious regeneration project, St. Modwen needed to source a number of building management solutions to help make the campus one of the safest and most comfortable learning and living environments available.
Schneider Electric was brought on board with the design and build of the campus on the back of a long-standing relationship with EFT Consult. The overall regeneration project has been valued at £450m, and at just over 50 per cent of the way through, Schneider Electric’s involvement has totalled over £1m to date.
Solution and benefits
To meet Swansea University and St Modwen’s strategic sustainability objectives, a number of solutions were implemented to make a tangible difference to the Campus Bay’s energy usage, while creating a comfortable place for students to study, work and socialise.
The University and St Modwen identified the active management of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems as a key component of controlling building energy usage. Moreover, it would also enable optimised environments for enhanced performance and energy efficiency. With this in mind, and as part of a design and build project, EFT developed and implemented a solution in partnership with Schneider Electric, that saw the introduction of a complete Building Management System (BMS), StruXureWare, wiring accessories, industrial cable containment, LV Distribution, Rising Busbar and Metering.
Feedback
Swansea University and St Modwen are delighted with the service provided by Schneider Electric, in partnership with EFT. A smooth installation, combined with expert technical support were crucial in easing the implementation project and assisting the electrical contractors install the systems. EFT & Schneider Electric’s solution has been deployed in 14 buildings as part of the Bay Campus regeneration plan.
Moving Forward
Schneider Electric and EFT are now involved in the third phase of the project consisting of an additional 543 bedrooms and 2 floors of Swansea University space which includes seminar rooms, offices, meeting rooms and PC labs.