The
Greenhouse in Norwich's Bethel Street - which
is run by the charity Greenhouse Trust - has ten
solar panels mounted on the roof, with a peak-period,
summertime output of 850 watts - enough electricity
to power 20% of the daily requirement.
More
than half the £6000 cost of installing the
panels was met by donations from EcoPower customers
- TXU Energi's green electricity customers who
opt to pay a small amount extra for their power
to support small-scale renewables projects in
their own communities.
The
building's hot water system is powered by two
banks of solar tubes, mounted on the rooftop -
an innovation which has already saved up to 60%
in water-heating costs. The ten photo-voltaic
panels provide lighting power.
"It
is important that we reduce our energy consumption"
says the project's co-ordinator. "Using renewable
energy makes you very aware of where your electricity
is going and how you can cut down. With the connection
of photovoltaic panels we are able to maximise
the proportion of our electricity that comes from
renewables."
The
old and the new
The
Greenhouse Trust's enthusiasm for renewable energy
is entirely in keeping with its sustainable approach
to the restoration of the dilapidated Bethel Street
property which once housed a printing works.
A 2 star listing has meant that all work has had
to be in keeping with the original structure,
as
well as maintaining a strong undertaking on green
issues.
Alders
harvested from the Norfolk Broads provide new
flooring, materials such as recycled paper and
wool have been used for insulation, walls and
floors have been painted with organic based paints,
windows have been tripled glazed and rainwater
is harvested for the organic garden.
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