University of Sheffield awarded Social Infrastructure Project of the Year for The Wave

The University of Sheffield’s newest building, the Wave, has been awarded Social Infrastructure Project of the Year at the British Construction Industry Awards (BCIA).

An exterior close up view of the Wave
  • The University of Sheffield’s newest building, the Wave, has been awarded Social Infrastructure Project of the Year at the British Construction Industry Awards (BCIA)
  • The Wave was recognised for its net zero carbon operation, accessibility, and focus on delivering social value to the community, being commended for setting standards for other projects
  • The BCIA are prestigious awards that recognise excellence in the built environment sector

The University of Sheffield’s newest building, the Wave, has been awarded Social Infrastructure Project of the Year at the British Construction Industry Awards (BCIA). Recognised for its net zero carbon operation, accessibility, and commitment to social value, the award shows how the Wave is setting a new benchmark for sustainable and community-focused construction. 

The BCIA recognises excellence in the built environment sector, with winners selected by an independent panel of clients, government representatives, and industry experts, including engineers, architects, and contractors. 

The Wave was praised for its innovative design, which optimised materials usage and reduced environmental impact. The team’s use of energy modelling enabled the building to achieve net zero carbon status. Judges were particularly impressed by the project’s active travel strategy, which includes EV charging stations and enhanced cycling provisions, promoting sustainable transportation. 

The building’s commitment to accessibility further stood out, exemplifying how social value can be embedded into infrastructure projects. The panel noted that the Wave has set new standards, paving the way for future developments that prioritise environmental sustainability and social responsibility. 

In addition to this award, the Wave recently earned BREEAM Outstanding accreditation, recognising its exceptional sustainability performance.

In a summary from the BCIA event held on Thursday evening, judges commented: “This was an exceptional project which delivered across the full range of criteria that the judges considered. From the outset it was clear that this team had a vision to deliver something that would exceed the quality of other buildings in the university.” 

Mark Holden, Associate Director of Estates and Facilities Management at the University of Sheffield, said: “We are incredibly proud of the Wave and the recognition it has received. This project represents our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community impact. By prioritising both environmental and social impact, we hope it will set a new benchmark for future developments.”

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