Our target is to cut carbon emissions by at least 50% relative to 2005 levels through energy-efficient building design, the application of the latest technologies and connection to a site-wide Combined Heat and Power (CHP) driven hot water distribution network.

All buildings will connect to the hot water distribution network which will be fed from the Energy Centre (see picture above). The power generated at the CHP plant will also be used to supplement supplies from the National Grid.

The cooling demands of the office buildings, which represent the largest energy requirement on the site, will be met by a combination of absorption chillers fed from the district heat network (tri-generation) with any extra demand met from efficient mechanical chillers. Cooling systems will use the best chilled beam technology in order to minimise energy use.

We are also using other renewable technologies, including roof-mounted wind turbines, photovoltaics, ground source heat pumps and solar thermal systems for generating hot water.

Overall
  • Site-wide Environmental Management System
  • Commitment to a comprehensive Code of Construction Practice
  • Integrated Environmental Sustainability Strategies
  • New buildings to achieve minimum BREAAM "Excellent"
  • Green and brown roofs
  • Sustainable urban drainage (reducing peak discharge)
  • New habitat areas with native planting
    Reduced energy demand
  • Carbon emissions from buildings at least 5% below Building Regulations before adding in renewable energy and Combined Heat and Power (CHP) benefits

    • Efficient Energy Supply
  • Site-wide district heating using CHP system providing a low-carbon supply
  • On-site Energy Centre
  • Absorption cooling/trigeneration
  • Fuel cells
  • Decentralised and future proofed

    • Renewable energy
  • Wind turbines
  • Ground source heat pumps
  • Photovoltaics
  • Solar water heating
  • Biomass boilers (once cost effective and secure supply)
  • Carbon Fund to support application of new technologies

    • Construction/Materials
  • Waste minimisation
  • Re-use existing on-site material
  • Modern methods of construction
  • Targets for green material

    • Water
  • Reduced demand via high efficiency appliances
  • Groundwater abstraction
  • Greywater and blackwater recycling
  • Rainwater harvesting

    • Transport
  • Comprehensive green travel plan
  • City car club scheme
  • Bicycle user group
  • Travel co-ordinator


    • Our energy usage is at least 39% more efficient than industry "norms".