At theCase Study, University of Hertfordshire

Background

Size: 3011 Bedrooms

Location: College Lane Campus, University of Hertfordshire

Overview: The development comprises of of six halls which range from three to six storeys and surround a central social space and reception. This equates to 500 existing residences at the university and 2,511 new build units at the College Lane campus of the University in Hatfield.

Management Transition: In 2013, Following the construction of a new £170m development for the University of Hertfordshire. The new build scheme incorporates sports pitches, campus gym and informal learning and social spaces. On completion Derwent FM transitioned into a student property management contract with facilities management.

Services

• Facilities Management: We provide hard and soft facilities management across the sites and manage a life cycle budget for the client of more than £10 million.

Sustainability on Site

• Sustainable Development:  The development has been rated “Outstanding” by BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method). BREEAM is used to specify and measure the sustainability performance of buildings. Using this framework helps projects to meet their sustainability goals and achieve optimal performance over time. The campus is one of only a handful of student accommodations to have achieved “Outstanding” rating.
• Biodiversity: We maintain a wildflower area that is well inhabited by bees and butterflies. This enhances biodiversity and creates a pleasant environment for students and visitors to enjoy . There are 399 trees at College Lane and if a tree must be felled due to age or disease, we ensure another tree is planted.
• Reducing Single-Use Plastics: On site we have provided water cooler dispensers, where residents are encouraged to use re-usable water bottles. We are currently trialling OzoKlenz cleaning products and soluble sachet cleaning products, this will reduce single use cleaning chemical bottles.
• Reusing and Recycling: At the Oval students are able to  donate unopened, and in date, food and drink in a community fridge. There are also book swap shelves in all common rooms, alongside communal jigsaw puzzles and DVDs available for residents to borrow.
• Repair over Replace:  Through in-house repairs, our maintenance team have saved an estimated £5000 on blinds last financial year. Where damage is minimal to worktops and coffee tables, we have wrapped them and used self-adhesive to prolong life, rather than dispose and replace.
• Energy Reduction: As part of our maintenance plan we replace all light fittings, internally and externally with more energy efficient LEDs. Each flat contains an electronic panel displaying energy and water used, so empowering the students to monitor their own consumption.

Student Wellbeing

• Programs at University of Herts: We promote student wellbeing through various initiatives. Tailoring common room provisions based on student feedback and organising tailored social events in collaboration with the student union.
• Student Voice: Our team conducts monthly student voice questionnaires. These surveys cover aspects such as post-service feedback, inventory processes, and maintenance reporting. Proactively encouraging feedback ensuring continuous improvement and responsiveness to student needs.

Testimonial

“Derwent FM have provided Facilities Management services to the Uliving@Hertfordshire student accommodation project since 2013. For three of these years (2013-2016) Derwent FM successfully managed the challenging task of providing operational services to students, whilst supporting ongoing construction activities.

Today, Derwent FM provide a range of hard and soft services to over 3,000 students living on site. In addition to the day to day activities the team have responded well to student feedback and led a series of service enhancements including improvements to the post collection service, door entry systems and supported the refurbishment of student social spaces.

They now lead a ‘Voice of the Customer’ programme which demonstrates their focus and commitment to enhancing the student experience and helping to support our mission to provide the best campus life experience in the sector.”

Dan McCarthy Stott, Operations Manager, Uliving@Hertfordshire