Rhydyfelin Children’s Centre nominated for ‘green’ award
October 3, 2007
Rhydyfelin Children’s Centre has been nominated for yet another award!
This year the building has been short-listed in the Wales Business and Sustainability Awards 2007 and is down to the final three in the Climate Change and Energy in the Public Sector category.
The building is practically self-serving of energy and water. It collects rainwater, which is then stored in a tank and used to flush the toilets, accompanied by Solar Panels connected to the buildings electricity supply providing hot water for the sinks. Any excess electricity that is generated can be sold back to the National Grid.
The heating of the building is extremely efficient. The heat energy is provided from the ground external to the building, with under floor heating fitted throughout; this type of system is ideal as the people that will be mainly using the centre are babies or small children who generally sit on the floor all day, along with freeing up valuable wall space for displays.
Councillor Annette Davies, Cabinet Member for Children and Equality said, “The design of the building is unique, integrating renewable and sustainable features and minimising the use of energy and the success of the building has been overwhelming.
“The building has been instrumental in providing inspiration for the authority to continue on the sustainable theme with design for future buildings. ”
Gerald Israel, Project Engineer, added, “Not only has it been recognised with many awards but many other local authorities; consulting engineers, the University of Glamorgan and Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers have all visited the site to see the technologies in practice.
“The energy usage is constantly being monitored and, to date, is proving to be very efficient indeed. When compared to benchmarks quoted, the centre is proving to be well below the norm.”
The awards presentation is taking place in Cardiff on October 18th.
As well as being nominated for these awards, the centre has also been put forward for the Carbon Trust Innovation Awards and the Building Services Awards 2007.
*
Factfile : The Rhydyfelin Children’s Centre is jointly funded by the Welsh Assembly Government, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, Job Centre Plus, Cymorth, Sure Start and the Big Lottery Fund.
The design team members included Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, Stride Treglown Davies [architects], White Young Green [electrical services design], Bradley Associates [structural engineers], Gee Construction [building contractor], Lorne Stewart [mechanical and electrical contractor] and Hunter Acoustics [acoustic survey.]
Add to favourites