RLB IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Preparing bright minds for successful futures
Whether it is evolving ageing estates, meeting net zero milestones or adapting to changing student expectations, the overriding emphasis for many universities is finding imaginative ways to do more with less – which is why many turn to RLB.
Our level of experience that means we understand the issues affecting the sector, and have the expertise to be forward thinking, to suggest alternative approaches, highlight potential risks, deliver highly accurate cost advice and add real value to our clients
Extensive sector expertise
RLB has decades of experience working globally at the forefront of education estates. In the past five years, we have worked with 50 UK HEI’s including 13 Russell Group Universities. Our work has encompassed everything from large scale student accommodation to complex life sciences buildings, and from multi-phased refurbishment to new builds.
Independent, holistic approach
The needs of our customers are met with flawless technical execution. As an employee-owned, independent organisation, we guarantee the best advice for our clients – without any conflict of interest. Our 'One RLB' holistic approach enables our clients to make value-based decisions, delivering outcomes that meet a range of objectives and measure value beyond financial targets.
Forward-thinking
Our innovative systems and robust processes are tailored to meet your individual requirements. We apply digital solutions and integrated systems to devise fresh perspectives on existing problems. We utilise cloud based digital tools to bring clarity and economy to the increasingly complex task of construction management in education institutions.
BUILT ASSET CONSULTANCY
Maximising the efficiency and sustainability of campus assets across the life cycle requires a multitude of skills. Our multidisciplinary team has the expertise to develop, improve and enhance your estate strategy.
- Asset investment and PFI solutions
- Decarbonisation delivery
- Fire advisory solutions
- Strategic asset management
- RAAC identification
- Condition surveys
COMMERCIAL SUCCESS
Cost is an integral part of successful estate management. Using key project drivers and success criteria, our team ensures best value by working closely with university teams and stakeholders to achieve the highest quality results.
- Contract administration and employer’s agent
- Commercial assurance and portfolio evaluation
- Cost benchmarking and intelligence
- Cost planning and modelling
- Feasibility studies
- Procurement
- Risk management
PROJECT AND PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT
Delivering new and enhanced developments within a live learning and research environment is challenging. We bring connected thinking and a strategic approach, to meet critical deadlines and minimise disruption for your students and staff.
- Design management
- Development management
- Pre-construction and project planning
- Project controls
- Project and fund monitoring
- Project and programme planning and management
SUSTAINABILITY CONSULTANCY
Now is the time to act on net zero delivery. Our expertise in the built environment enables us to help your university decarbonise and deliver social value – at asset, organisational and community levels:
- Net zero decarbonisation action plans
- Whole Life Carbon management: Operational and Embodied Carbon
- GHG accounting and scopes 1, 2 and 3 assessment
- Cost and ROI of net zero and other green economy services
- Sustainable procurement services incl. scope 3 supply chain emissions
- Social value and community benefit strategies and procurement
- Climate change adaptation
- Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies and reporting
- Green building accreditations: BREEAM, LEED, fitWell, NABERS, etc.
- Biodiversity, nature and ecosystem services support
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Successful health and safety solutions in a busy university environment involves close collaboration and understanding needs. Our experts can find you the right solution, from project conception to completion, and throughout a building’s life cycle:
- Building safety management
- CDM and principal designer services
- Health, safety and assurance strategy
- Building Safety Act guidance
RLB DIGITAL
With the exponential growth of data capture, how can you manage and harness it for success? Our specialist team will work with you to develop smart, practical solutions that deliver impact, regardless of where you are on your digital journey:
- Business analysis and consultancy
- Data capture and analytics
- Digital and data procurement and strategy
- Information management and BIM
- Digital transformation programme management
SPECIALIST SOLUTIONS
Every university development has a complex set of bespoke and often unique requirements. We provide high-level strategic advice and practical support to implement and deliver outcomes across the project life cycle.
- Contract advisory and strategic procurement
- Dispute avoidance and resolution
- Expert witness
- Specification consultancy
- Whole life cycle asset management
- Value and outcome consultancy
Experience highlights
In the past five years, we've worked with over 50 higher education clients. Our strong, long-standing relationships are a testament to how we apply best-practice, realise value and introduce innovative solutions, to help deliver transformational learning and research environments.
Estates Strategy
Improving educational outcomes for students and delivering world class research are underpinned by data-driven, long-term strategies.
In recent years, we have co-created strategies for a range of universities including Reading, Manchester and Exeter, to help them realise sustainably-built and progressively-maintained estates.
Currently, we are supporting the University of East London deliver its 'Connected Campus' strategy, and helping Edge Hill and Royal Holloway deliver campus transformation.
Sustainable (re)Build
As cost escalates and the income is forced to stretch further, reusing assets and doing more with less is top of the agenda.
At the University of Hull, we acted as SKA-assessor at its refurbished Energy and Environment Institute - the first building in Yorkshire to be SKA gold rated. At the University of Wolverhampton, we project managed the RIBA-award winning new home for architecture from an old brewery.
With sustainability, retrofit and refurbishment becoming the default solution, we are working with a range of universities to reinvigorate existing accommodation, academic and research facilities to help them reach net zero carbon.
Optimised Experiences
Our extensive track record enables us to support you in differentiating your estate and student experience.
Post-pandemic trends have created new perspectives on what a university campus should be. Now, we're helping universities repurpose obsolete office stock into student study spaces, creating cutting-edge laboratories for new life science research and reinventing what libraries have to offer.
Recent project examples supporting universities with immersive learning experiences include a financial trading floor simulation for University of Huddersfield, a medical simulation for St George's University, and a new home for dental teaching at the University of Bristol.
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