Welsh hospital scheme first to get top green rating
A £13m healthcare construction project has become the first in Wales to achieve a BREEAM 'excellent' rating for sustainable development. Constructed by the Leadbitter Group, the medical facility is part of the regeneration of Loudoun Square in Cardiff and features a biomass boiler to provide heat and power, water harvesting technology, a water leak detection system and water efficient sanitaryware. Once completed in 2013, it will sit alongside 62 new affordable homes, a community hub and retail units. The building was designed by architectural firm, Austin-Smith:Lord as part of a partnership project involving Cardiff Community Housing Association, Cardiff Council and the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. Health board chief executive, Jan Williams, said: "We are committed to providing excellent, sustainable services for patients in modern, specially-designed facilities. This project embodies those values and the health board is delighted to be the first in Wales to win such a prestigious rating." Russell Houghton, regional director of Leadbitter's western housing division, added: "The specialist equipment that is required in a healthcare facility often needs a great deal of energy, making it even more challenging to achieve a BREEAM 'excellent' rating. This is truly and outstanding accomplishment and is testament to the commitment and dedication to sustainability of everyone involved."