UPP are using the Accent Home model to build student accommodation.

With innovative design, procurement methods and building processes and technology, it reduces the time the home takes to build. It also reduces waste and saves on material and construction costs. The use of a standard design, combined with a catalogue of optional components and layouts, makes each property flexible and individual. The very latest in mechanical and electrical systems, including low energy lighting, under floor heating, IT and telecommunications can be installed, helping to plan for future needs.

The Accent/UPP model is a derivative of Accent's highly innovative and sustainable Accent Home Concept. The concept is a positive response to the drive to develop affordable homes that meet the Government's Sustainable Development Agenda. The homes are highly energy efficient, use sustainable materials and provide a healthy environment for the residents. The in-built flexibility allows for single to four-storey accommodation in detached, semi-detached or terraced format, and from one-bedroom apartments to large family houses. The target markets are affordable for rent, low cost home ownership, key worker, staff or student accommodation, first time buyers, and supported housing.

The University Partnerships Programme (UPP), the country's leading university partner in student accommodation, has reached financial close with Lancaster University on Phase IV of the University's Residences Programme. The new phase will mark the first use of the sustainable Accent/UPP model for student residences and extends UPP and Lancaster University's partnership, which was established in 2003.

The latest phase in the partnership between Lancaster University and UPP will result in the development of a further 950 rooms. This includes new build four-storey town houses, cluster flats and family flats using the new, eco-friendly UPP/Accent model, as well as 176 refurbished rooms and 13 refurbished flats in the existing County College building. UPP will manage the facilities for 48 years. The deal has also allowed the University to release a significant amount of capital, to be reinvested back into the institution.

With the Accent/UPP model, UPP is enshrining sustainability as a key principle from the start of building to completion of student accommodation projects and beyond. Timber from sustainable managed forests is being used for the building's superstructure, reducing the carbon-footprint of the build by 30% when compared to a traditional superstructure.

The model places an emphasis on good, simple planning. The manufacturing of the timber frames happens off site, which contributes to reducing the amount of construction materials required and waste generated during the build. Equally, this method of construction is significantly quicker than traditional concrete builds: 500 rooms will be completed by end December 2007, with construction having begun in March 2007.

The new buildings aim to use a range of energy-saving technologies - such airtightness, enhanced insulation levels and hot water heated with solar thermal panels - to be sustainable and eco-friendly. The environmentally-friendly rooms will incorporate benign natural minerals throughout as well as water-based coats and paints.

Clive Crawford, Chief Executive of UPP, said: "We must approach the development of future university estates on the basis of sustainable principles. HEFCE guidance on universities' environmental performance provides an important benchmark. The Accent/UPP solution attempts to fulfil these criteria while offering students - who show themselves to be increasingly concerned regarding sustainability - the best range of choice in accommodation.

"Lancaster University's students have benefited from £100m of investment in its accommodation services to date. The confidence that the University has shown in UPP, by opting to extend our partnership agreement to 48 years is of great significance to us."

Lancaster University Director of Estate Management Mark Swindlehurst said: "This new, eco-friendly accommodation will help us to attract increasing numbers of students from across the UK and internationally. Importantly, the accommodation has been designed as an environment that will encourage 'good habits' in terms of sustainable living, day-to-day. We're proud to be setting this standard for future best practice."