eco products


Cream of the crop An innovative alternative energy system is using cows’ milk to heat water on dairy farms. South West Refrigeration, based in Exeter, has developed the unique patent- pending installation that is now in use on more than 90 farms across Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset. The key element of the system is Gledhill Building Products’ Stainless Lite Buffer Store, which enables the heat from fresh cows’ milk to be extracted to pre-heat water, which is then fed into a boiler and used to clean the milking equipment. Farmers have been able to claim a grant towards renewable heating from the regional development agency, which can in turn generate a 50-60% return on investment per year, dependant on the quantity of milk produced. South West Refrigeration has purchased more than 150 of Gledhill’s Stainless Lite Buffer Tanks, in 200, 300 and 400-litre capacities. They expect to install the system at approximately one farm per week over the coming years as demand for green energy systems increases. For further information telephone 01253 474500 or visit www.gledhill.net


Going greener


Williamson-Dickie Europe Limited is planning to install almost 2,000 square metres of solar panelling on the south and south west facing roofs of its 100,000 sq.m warehousing and distribution centre in Radstock, North Somerset. The unobtrusive and operationally silent panelling will provide large amounts of ‘green’, renewable electricity for several decades and will reduce the company’s dependency on power sourced from the national grid, which will receive any surfeit of energy that is produced. The panels are expected


to generate 236,132 kilowatts and save 124,914 Kg of CO2


emissions per year. Announcing the


energy saving plan, which is currently subject to planning approval and contractual agreements, Ben Pearson, the company’s Environmental and Compliance Coordinator commented: “We are always looking to reduce our environmental impacts and the solar panel array is a major part of our ongoing environmental strategy”. It is hoped that the solar panels will be fitted and operational by August 2011. For further information visit www.dickiesworkwear.com


Laminate achieve


FSC certification Greaves Surface Solutions have achieved the Forest Stewardship Council certification for laminates. For a long time Greaves have been committed to using sustainable resources from likeminded suppliers, adhering both to the FSC and PEFC standards. As a company, they know how important sustainable materials are to their


LOW ENERGY GLAZING


A new HQ for conservation charity the Woodland Trust employs VELFAC glazing to actively contribute to energy efficiency across the building, resulting in a development which has achieved a BREEAM Excellent rating. Designed by architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, the building's external facades feature three-storey high VELFAC glazing interspersed with timber cladding, evoking the spacing and


verticality of woodland. The glazing delivers maximum daylight to the open plan interior office space, with solar gain minimised by the use of solar controlled glass. The VELFAC system also comprises manually opening and automatic windows, which together play a key role in the building's sophisticated natural ventilation system. For further information telephone 01223 897165


customers. The FSC sets standards for forest management and promotes the “environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world’s forest”. Geaves Surface Solutions has long held both the FSC and PEFC chain of custody certificate for MDF, MFP and wooden worktops, as well as complying with the Environmental Management System Certification ISO 14001:2004. However obtaining the FSC certification for laminate products is a lot more difficult due to the different components that make up the end product. Greaves are really delighted about this formal recognition, which proves their dedication to providing customers with more sustainable products. For further information telephone 01245 329922.


30 Architects Choice


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