London Southbank University is leading the way in the Nation-wide drive for Sustainability

The new K2 building has just opened on campus to much critical acclaim. The pioneering building sets a benchmark for construction in the capital.


The new building is set to solve many of the University’s architectural problems on campus. Designed to fit seamlessly between the Learning Resource Centre and the relatively new Keyworth building, great lengths were taken to ensure as little disruption as possible. The architect commissioned for the building was Grimshaw Architects, a practice who has for some time been connected with the university. In keeping with the university’s view on sustainability Grimshaw’s took it upon themselves to push the boundaries and ensure that the building would inspire and educate its users in the benefits of sustainability and provide a benchmark to other London developments in the hope of creating a greener city.


Buildings the size of K2 usually have a high CO2 emission. It is important for the future of London to set an example to developing cities all over the world that more can be done to reduce carbon emissions and use natural resources to power our buildings. The K2 building sets out to produce most of the energy required to run the building on site, using various natural methods, and promote a low dependency on mechanical ventilation systems. Geothermal piles are used which heat the building naturally. Piles are supports that help anchor a building to the ground. By running a mixture of water and anti-freeze, cooled to some 30 degrees below zero, through a series of pipes down into the ground the building can benefit from the earth’s natural warmth. Other means of sustainability include solar shading, natural ventilation and photovoltaic panels. The Centre for Efficient and Renewable Energy in Buildings is housed on the roof of the building. This will put the University at the centre of future debates about sustainability in London. The building currently houses the Faculty of Health and Social Care and the Department of Education, Sport and Exercise Science.


The K2 building is one of the first to be completed as part of a wider regeneration of Southwark by several world renowned architects like Grimshaw. Renzo Piano’s Shard building is under construction at London Bridge while the Strata building by Hamilton Architects is near completion near Elephant and Castle. Watch this space for further developments.