The University of Westminster’s Harrow Sports Hall has been named as a finalist in the Responsible Occupier Award category at the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) Awards 2026, which recognises those around the world who are leading the way in sustainable building design, development and management.
The Responsible Occupier Award recognises commitment to green practices and actively driving sustainability by prioritising sustainable building standards.
Winners are selected by an independent judging panel and represent the best in sustainable practices, the contribution to people’s wellbeing and the protection of natural resources. This year’s awards ceremony will take place at The Peninsula London on 30 September 2026.
The Harrow Sports Hall, also known at the University as The Den, exemplifies Westminster’s approach to sustainable, student‑centred development. The building has achieved a BREEAM Excellent rating, with a certified score of 70.8%, reflecting strong performance across energy, ecology, management and transport. It delivers a 22.02% Biodiversity Net Gain - a planning measure that requires new developments to leave local biodiversity in a measurably better state than before - which is more than double the national minimum requirement, and it achieved full marks in the Land Use and Ecology category, demonstrating the University’s commitment to enhancing local habitats and green space around the campus.
Designed as an all‑electric facility, the Harrow Sports Hall produces no direct carbon emissions from heating or hot water. During construction, the project team monitored and reported its total energy use and carbon output to ensure transparency and support the University’s wider sustainability goals. Now in operation, the hall is supported by a real‑time Building Management System that tracks energy performance and helps the University continually optimise how the building runs. This approach ensures the facility remains efficient, low‑carbon and aligned with Westminster’s long‑term environmental strategy.
The Harrow Sports Hall also performs strongly in transport and management categories, supported by a Public Transport Accessibility Level (PTAL) score of four for good public transport accessibility, having the Northwick Park station of the London Underground next to the campus, and a high management score reflecting robust governance and stakeholder engagement.
Beyond environmental performance, the facility has delivered significant social impact, helping retain more than 2,000 students on Sport Scholarships and strengthening the University’s Elite Athlete Programme, which provides scholarships and access to high‑quality training space.
These achievements demonstrate Westminster’s commitment to delivering sustainable, future‑focused facilities that support student wellbeing, reduce environmental impact and contribute positively to the local ecosystem.
About the nomination, Professor Peter Bonfield, Professor of Sustainability and the University’s President and Vice-Chancellor, said: “I am so pleased that our Den - home of our Westminster Dragons sport hall has been recognised in the BREEAM Awards, in particular for its role in supporting wellbeing and community cohesion within our University and for our local community through sport.”
Alessandra Foderaro, Deputy Director of Estates-Capital Development at the University’s Estates Planning and Services Team, added: “Securing a BREEAM Excellent rating for Harrow Sports Hall is a fantastic achievement and reflects the dedication of everyone involved. It was a true team effort, with strong collaboration between Estates, our contractor and design team and the Students’ Union to deliver a sustainable, high-quality facility for our students.”
The exhibition directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education, 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Learn more about sports facilities at the University of Westminster.
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