The Enterprise Centre, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich

This latest addition to the University campus provides the perfect showcase for the very best of low carbon and sustainable design. The Enterprise Centre (TEC) achieves both “Passivhaus” and BREEAM 'Outstanding' and has pushed the boundaries of ecological development in almost every way possible. The involvement of local trades, the local sourcing of materials and the extensive use of recycled materials shows what is achievable in the region and means this building is something Norfolk and the UK can be truly proud of.

This exemplary modern working and teaching environment offers a wide range of highly flexible accommodation where education takes place alongside commerce. It provides incubation and collaborative spaces for new and developing businesses in a workplace suitable for the 21st century. The offices are available on flexible lease terms starting from six months with a tenant’s option to break at any time on one month’s notice - individual desk-space can also be rented. The building provides live and historical data of the performance of renewable materials in a format that is industry standard. The design allows monitoring as to how the materials and data change over time and to understand the impacts.

New materials can be substituted as necessary to provide up to date knowledge of materials, which have been recently introduced. With thatch cladding on the outside of the building, the use of natural resources reduces embodied carbon and promotes the adoption of renewable materials: It also makes for an awe inspiring initial approach. Internally an expanse of recycled timber and organic materials combine with exceptional design quality. Each space is a stimulating experience for sight and touch, with a plethora of texture and colour - and there are stunning views.

The “Passivhaus” design combined with natural materials allows natural light and natural ventilation to penetrate deep into the space, creating high levels of comfort and welting with minimal reliance on mechanical systems. Occupants of the workspaces, benefit from shared access to a range of high quality meeting rooms and amenities such as: Conference and exhibition facilities which include a state of the art lecture theatre; the Innovation Lab, a dedicated space designed to enhance group collaboration and creative thinking and a café and extensive informal areas to meet and do business.

They can also take advantage of the UEA Campus' facilities such as the Sportspark, nursery, shops, and the world renowned Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts. TEC is a centre of excellence at a European level and provides world-class facilities through its sustainable design and use of materials. What is probably fair to class as the UK's greenest commercial building has set the benchmark high for future sustainable development across the globe.