An innovative new Aberdeen medical building has been awarded a prestigious accolade in recognition of its environmental credentials.

The Suttie Centre for Teaching and Learning in Healthcare received a BREEAM Award, which recognises the UK's top examples of sustainable design.

The building received the highest national rating of Excellent in the Bespoke category which was awarded at the BREEAM 2008 Award Ceremony at the Earls Court.

The new medical education and clinical teaching centre is currently under construction at Foresterhill. The building is being created through the Matthew Hay Project, a partnership between the University of Aberdeen and NHS Grampian which aims to develop first-class facilities for training health professionals and doctors.

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Some of the building's environmental features include an exposed reinforced concrete frame which helps to maximise the benefits of thermal mass; highly efficient façade system; and rainwater harvesting system which collects rainwater and is used to flush WCs.

It also has a building management system to monitor plant items and energy consumption; low carbon technologies and passive renewables to reduce energy demands and reduce carbon footprint; and design that maximises the controlled use of natural daylight.

Angus Donaldson, Director of Estatesat the University, said: "This is the first University new building to go through the BREEAM process. We have worked closely with the design team and BREEAM Assessor and are delighted to achieve the highest national rating of excellent.

"The centre showcases the ability of the University to develop buildings where environmental concerns are given high priority throughout the procurement process. From the reduction of energy demands to the use of systems which maximise natural energy resources, the design elements of this centre set a high benchmark for future construction projects undertaken by the University."

(GK/JM)