While building the new site, careful consideration has been taken to ensure the bats aren’t disturbed.
Environmental Manager at Saïd Business School, Jack Stone said:
‘While constructing any building, it’s imperative to respect the local wildlife. Bats are a protected species and I am proud to see such proactive steps made to minimise any disruption to them. From our teaching all the way to our operations, environmental responsibility is embedded into everything we do as a school. It is encouraging to see sustainability incorporated into the design of the Global Leadership Centre in such a big way. The measures we’ve put in place truly make it a world-class building, fit for the future.’
Prior to demolition, an extensive bat survey was undertaken with environmental consultants Turnstone Ecology, in accordance with UK regulations. The team installed temporary roosts nearby, to allow the relocation of any existing bat population. As part of the final scheme, several roosts will be installed along the roofline, to provide future nesting opportunities.
Executive Education at Oxford Saïd has had a seemingly long affiliation with wildlife. The current home for Executive Education, Egrove Park, is home to an array of animals, including deer, rabbits, squirrels, badgers, foxes and more.
Consistent with the values of the school, sustainability is the core of the new Global Leadership Centre. The site will include solar panels, green roofs, and bird boxes, as well as adopting many of the Passivhaus principles for energy efficiency. its location next to the railway station will also encourage the use of public transport for visitors and staff.
