Green Design
The Centre, open in May 2000, has been designed to exemplify sustainability, energy conservation and energy production from renewable sources:
- A 2.5kW wind turbine and 1.7kW photovoltaic (solar) panels supply a good share of electricity needed to run the Environment Centre and our Recycling Team's electric vehicle.
- Passive solar design - the building has large south facing windows, triple glazing and exceptionally good insulation to allow it to be heated directly by the sun's energy while minimising heat loss.
- Rainwater is collected and purified for use at the Centre.
- Solar-thermal panel heats the water and additional room heating comes from a smoke-free wood burning stove.
- Modern compost toilets reduce the need for water by thousands of litres, produce nutrient-rich compost for trees in the nature reserve, and provide a popular talking point.
- The building has a 'living roof', covered with low growing Sedum acre, a drought resistant succulent plant. The leaves turn red in dry conditions and green again when it rains. In late summer the whole roof turns yellow when the Sedum flowers. The blanket of plants helps to insulate the building, reducing heating requirements. The roof also contributes to the local oxygen balance and provides a habitat for a wide range of insects.