From the outset the aim is to be socially aware, and to take account of the environmental and social impacts the facility has on the environment. Some of the main steps taken are:-
- High density sustainable wood built construction
- Chosen for aesthetic quality that best suits the local surroundings
- Fitted with high standard thermal insulation rated at < µ 0.16
- High efficiency sound insulation
- Sound absorbing ceiling panels to minimise ‘hollow room’ acoustics
- Fitted renewable energy through Ground Source Heat Pump System via 3 x 100mtr deep bore holes (see below)
- Low energy lighting throughout the building, utilising timers and sensors where practical
- Self contained Bio–Treatment waste disposal.
- Rain Water Harvesting
- Re-cycling facilities
- Expert management of site and Goss Croft Pond to protect and encourage wildlife, flora and fauna
- Work closely with the local ‘Signpost’ magazine to provide information of activities and events
Ground Source Heat Pump
- A Heat Pump extracts heat in much the same way as a refrigerator extracts heat from its inside, only instead of dispersing the heat as waste into the atmosphere it is captured and released into the under floor heating pipes.
- Due to needing electric pumps, one to circulate the water around the ground and one to circulate the hot water under the floor, means the system does have some indirect impact on the environment; however the heat extracted from the ground is constantly being replaced naturally.
- Unlike gas or oil boilers, Heat Pumps deliver heat at lower temperatures over much longer periods.
The benefits of heating via Heat Pumps and Under-floor distribution
- Fuel Bills – running costs approximately only 30% of oil fired Boilers
- Low Temperature gradient and under-floor heating eliminates hot spots and rooms are unencumbered of radiators.
- Facility is fully automatic and maintains a constant temperature throughout cold periods
- Reduced carbon footprint
- No fuel deliveries are needed so there are no fuel miles