Work on a new eco-friendly library is underway at Nottingham Trent University’s Brackenhurst campus. The 1,000m² building, due to open next summer, will be situated at the heart of the campus, which is home to the university’s School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences.

The single-storey building represents a new vision for learning support in the 21st century, incorporating the latest advancements in technology. Large open spaces and smaller study areas are included in the design to allow for a dynamic social and flexible environment which caters for both group and quiet study.

It will also reflect the courses delivered within the School, with artists’ impressions of trees, wildlife and flora and fauna incorporated into the décor – and there will be a ‘projection wall’ for student work to be showcased.

The library will be awarded the second highest ‘BREEAM’ rating – the world’s foremost environmental assessment method for buildings – and the highest possible Energy Performance Certificate, which measures energy efficiency. All materials for the building will be from environmentally-ethical suppliers and its carbon footprint during and after construction will be kept to a minimum.

The building will be heated by a biomass boiler, with some of the fuel sourced from the university farm, while ecology has been at the forefront of the scheme. Extensive surveys have been undertaken to minimise any impact on nesting birds, bats, and great crested newts.

The library will also hold the ‘Customer Service Excellence’ award, a government standard awarded to Nottingham Trent University’s Libraries and Learning Resources team for its high quality customer service.

Professor Eunice Simmons, the Dean of the School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, said: “We are very excited about this development, which will provide a stimulating and flexible study environment for our students. This library is intended to be an outstanding building at the heart of our campus and will be a focal point for future generations of students to enjoy.”

The Brackenhurst campus has a proud agricultural heritage and has developed into a thriving specialist science department within Nottingham Trent University. The School is leading the way in modern environmental sciences and has forged links with institutions around the world to tackle global issues of sustainability, environmental change and wildlife conservation.