Green and Sustainable

Frequently Asked Questions:

Will the building be environmentally sustainable?

Sustainability has been considered from the outset, from its location to the materials used in its construction, to its day-to-day operation.

The proposed location is immediately next the railway station, is less than 5 minutes walk from the town centre and is on a number of busy bus routes.  Cycling for the staff will be promoted by providing secure onsite cycle storage and staff change rooms and showers.  And the cycle parking for public will be directly in front of the reception and waiting areas giving excellent surveillance to deter theft.

The east-west orientation of the building allows us to have large areas of glazing on the north façade without suffering solar heat gain (which then needs to be countered by mechanical cooling) and the south façade is externally shaded and has the ‘optimum’ ratio of window to wall (around 40:60 respectively) to maximise natural light while avoiding solar heat gain.

Heating and cooling the building will rely heavily on passive methods of control, minimising the need for mechanical cooling.

Overall the building should achieve a high BREEAM rating of 'Very Good' (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) and a low carbon rating (or high EPC – Energy Performance Certificate rating), aiming at Category 'B' for the building.

Consumption of water, electricity and gas will be minimised through the selection of low-demand, highly efficient systems and fittings.  Heat exchangers will recycle much of the ‘waste’ heat produced by the building and passive pre-heating and pre-cooling of incoming cold water will further reduce the building’s energy consumption.