Bradford College’s Junction Mills Wins Carbon Savings Award

New building project recognised for sustainability efforts

Bradford College’s Junction Mills development has been awarded a platinum certification by Morgan Sindall Construction for significant carbon savings achieved during its design and construction phases. The project is the only one in Yorkshire to receive this certification in 2025.

Details of the Junction Mills development

The £19.3 million, four-storey building on Thornton Road has saved approximately 473 tonnes of carbon, equivalent to the annual heating needs of 175 UK homes. The development is scheduled to open in 2026 and will focus on training students in emerging technologies, including modern automotive engineering, electric and hybrid vehicles, digital engineering, and advanced manufacturing.

Sustainability measures implemented

The project incorporated various strategies to reduce carbon emissions, including:

• Use of precast elements such as lift shafts and stairs manufactured off-site with Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) to enhance efficiency and sustainability
• Optimisation of design and materials, including:
• Changing rear external cladding, saving 69 tonnes of carbon
• Replacing blockwork walls with plasterboard internal partitions, saving 57 tonnes
• Using cement replacement in concrete pile foundations, saving 57 tonnes
• Utilising Electric Arc Furnace (EFA) steel for the framework, saving 290 tonnes

The project’s sustainability efforts were further recognised with a full score in the Considerate Constructors Scheme’s Care for the Environment category.

Recognition and funding

Morgan Sindall awarded the platinum certification based on the volume of carbon saved and the supporting case studies documenting the work. In addition, Bradford College received a £5,000 contribution from Morgan Sindall to support a sustainability project.

The Junction Mills development forms a central part of Bradford College’s broader estates strategy, aimed at supporting regional economic growth and preparing students for careers in low-carbon industries. Funding for the project included £17.8 million from the Department for Education’s Further Education Capital Transformation Fund and a £1.5 million contribution from the College.

Statements from involved parties

Pamela Sheldon, Head of Projects at Bradford College, highlighted the integration of sustainability throughout the project, noting the use of modern construction methods and the building’s role in equipping students with skills for a low-carbon economy.

Ben Hall, Morgan Sindall’s area director for Yorkshire, emphasised the collaborative approach and the long-term benefits of the development for students and the wider West Yorkshire region.

Additional context

Bradford College has recently secured nearly £32 million in funding over the past two years to support various capital projects, including the opening of Garden Mills, a facility for digital, science, and allied health training, and upgraded T Level training facilities for business, media, catering, and hair and beauty courses.