Energy efficiency

THE  MADELEY CENTRE IS A ‘LOW  CARBON’  BUILDING

The Centre uses very little energy, and has very low carbon emissions

NEW FROM OLD

The bricks from the old Village Hall and Lea House were recycled and used in the foundations of the new Centre

More energy is produced from the sun in one hour than mankind uses in one year!  
So we’ve grabbed some of it….

1.  SOLAR PV

Photo-voltaic panels on roof use sunlight to create electricity.   This provides energy for the Centre, and surplus is sold back to the Grid through the Government’s ‘Feed-In-Tariff’ scheme.

2 and 3.  SOLAR THERMAL

Solar water heating panels on roof transfer the sun’s heat to pipes which then store hot water to provide for all hot water needs within the Centre.

4 and 5.  GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMP

Underground water filled pipes pick up the natural warmth in the earth and the water is pumped up to the Centre. This transfers heat from the earth to warm up water for under-floor heating.   (Two and a half miles of piping!)

Mustn’t let that heat get away!

INSULATION

This is mostly fibre glass which has an element of recycled glass, and is 25% higher than Building Regulations requirements

6 and 7.  NATURAL VENTILATION

Natural ventilation replaces air conditioning, the warm air rises through the outlets, with dampers closing them off as necessary.

8.   ‘GLULAM’ BEAMS

Glued, laminated timber beams support the new Hall ceiling, manufactured from smaller pieces of timber from managed forests to produce a strong beam. They took one sixth of the energy needed to produce a similar steel beam.

9.  LOW ENERGY LIGHTS

Low wattage lights throughout

10.  WATERLESS URINAL

Don’t ask!!

11.  ‘PIR’ MOTION SENSORS

These ‘Passive Infra Red’ sensors detect movement through temperature changes, and can be used to switch on lights only when needed.

SUSTAINABLE DRAINAGE SYSTEMS (SUDs)

Outside surfaces are ‘porous’ where possible and absorb run-off water.

The  area immediately around the building is composed of ‘grasscrete’, which lets water through, is strong enough to withstand cars and light goods vehicles (but less kind to high heels!)

12.  ‘GREEN’ (Sedum) ROOF (above)

This part of the roof has been planted with house leeks (Sedum species) to collect rainwater, provide insulation and noise abatement.  Run-off from the roof, along with other ‘grey’ water from showers, basins, washing machines in the Centre, is collected in an underground tank (13).   This non-drinking water can be used for watering allotments and wherever else is necessary in the wildlife-friendly surroundings.

‘GREEN’ WALL

Eventually there will be a screen of climbing plants on the pergola to give shade in summer and a wind-break in winter, helping to save energy as well as providing a pleasant amenity for people and shelter for wildlife.

13.  RAINWATER TANK

The rainwater tank buried underground.

14. Blue Gen Ceramic Fuel Cell

This cutting edge technology enables natural gas to be converted into electricity, using a fuel cell, at a ratio of 1:4.

ECO-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING

The landscaping of the surrounding site area of course has had to be left to the last.   A grant has been awarded from the BIG Lottery’s ‘Community Spaces’ to  develop the site which will give opportunities for children and adults to use it for relaxation and environmental education, with trees, a playground, and wildlife friendly planting.   The whole building and its surroundings will show how you can save energy, reduce carbon emissions and save money into the bargain!

Madeley Centre Environmental Policy

Madeley Centre is committed to the adoption of environmentally responsible policies and practices, and will comply with all environmental legislation.   We will address climate change and the loss of life-support services provided by the natural world by  continually improving our own environmental performance, and encourage others to do the same.

To achieve this, we will:

*  Reduce our energy consumption and aim for a low carbon footprint.   We will generate our own renewable energy and promote the production of energy  from renewable sources which do not have an adverse effect on biodiversity.

*   Prevent pollution and minimise the volume of waste going to landfill by reducing our consumption, and supporting re-use and recycling by collecting and segregating materials.

*   Have a purchasing policy which sources goods and services locally; minimises packaging and pays due regard to the waste implications of the product’s end of life. We will also promote business with suppliers who attempt to minimise the impact of their activities on the environment.

*   Maximise biodiversity benefits within all our activities.

*   Minimise the mileage travelled by private car, through car sharing or through using  public transport. 

*   Keep our consumption of water as low as possible.

*   Foster a sense of environmental awareness and responsibility amongst all our staff, volunteers and members of the public.

This policy will be reviewed annually and updated where it is thought appropriate to maintain the best possible environmental practice.