Former Tobacco HQ's Green Future

Source from:  news.bbc.co.uk Monday, 21 July 2008  07/22/2008

Work has begun on a new housing development in Bristol which will be heated using geothermal installations. Lakeshore in Hartcliffe is a Grade II- listed five-storey steel structure set over a man-made lake, and the former headquarters of Imperial Tobacco. About 120 bore holes are being drilled to a depth of 335ft (102m) where the ground temperature is 11-13C. Pipes through the bore holes absorb heat which is used to provide hot water and underfloor heating. The geothermal installation is due to provide 80% of the energy needed in the 400 apartments. Household recycling As well as providing heat in the winter months, the system is designed to cool the buildings in the summer, with excess heat being fed back into the pipes and returned to the ground. The redevelopment plans also feature a new building to be built alongside the original structure, with a roof covering made from sedum plants. Low-energy lighting will be used throughout, as well as installations designed to contribute to water saving and low energy 'A' rated electrical appliances. The new atrium roof on the original building is made from inflatable transparent pillows (like the Eden Project) which are aimed at maximising natural light into apartments and helping to control temperature within the atrium. Sustainable drainage systems are being used and properties include systems to encourage effective recycling of household waste. Enditem