Pembrokeshire College has achieved a Building Research Establishment Design and Procurement excellent rating for its new Construction Technology Centre. The build is the first further education building in Wales or England to achieve this 'Breeam Excellent' rating, which sets the standard for best practice in sustainable development. The £3 million project is the second phase of the college's ambitious and visionary 10-year master plan. College principal Glyn Jones commented: "The £30 million redevelopment of the main campus at Haverfordwest will further enhance the already excellent facilities and resources provided at Pembrokeshire College for our learners." Steve Jones, director of estates and facilities, said: "The brief for the project was to create a flexible and environmentally sustainable building and learning environment which would set the benchmark for future projects. "Obtaining the 'Breeam Excellent' rating demonstrates the college's commitment to sustainability both in the design and the management operation of the building." The new building designed by Austin Smith Lord Architects is currently being constructed by Dawnus Construction Ltd. and will accommodate carpentry and brickwork students. The project is on target to be ready for the start of the new term in September 2008. The project has obtained a 70 percent capital funding grant from the Welsh Assembly Government, which to date is the highest percentage awarded to a project under the current funding stream. The college has also been successful in obtaining a grant from the Department of Trade and Industry low carbon building programme, towards the cost of renewable technologies being incorporated into the scheme. Environmental features include a wood pellet boiler, solar panels, a building management system, naturally ventilated spaces, day light and movement control light fittings and rainwater harvesting. To see the building whilst it is being constructed, visit the live construction cam at http://www.pembs.ac.uk/facilities">www.pembs.ac.uk/facilities.
