MediaCity UK gains sustainability credentials for its effective CHP system

MediaCityUK is the one of first schemes in the world to become a BREEAM approved sustainable community, by incorporating world leading sustainability into the design of the £500m development. BREEAM Communities certification helps planners and developers improve measures and independently certify the sustainability of development proposals at the planning stage.

Phase one of MediaCityUK has incorporated many features to meet the BREEAM criteria, in particular using its greatest asset - water from the Manchester Ship Canal - to power, heat and cool the buildings on the 36-acre site. Buildings including the 216-bed-hotel and the seven HD and two audio studios will benefit from the use of a combined heat and power plant energy system known as Tri-Gen, which has many benefits including reducing Co2 emissions.

Carol Atkinson, Chief Executive of BRE Global, said: 'MediaCityUK is the first project in the world to achieve final certification against BREEAM Communities – this is testament to Peel’s commitment to achieving very high levels of sustainability on the development.'

Frank Mills, Sustainable Building Design Consultant for Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) said: 'MediaCityUK gained credit under the Climate and Energy category of BREEAM Communities through the use of a tri-generation energy system. In comparison to a conventional approach where boilers and chillers are located in each building, the Tri-gen scheme provides a number of benefits including cost saving phased installation, flexible operation and maintenance, adaptability for future proofing and changes in fuel sources.'