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The distribution centre

Adnams' eco-centre

By Guy Campbell Oct 2006

The UK's largest "living roof" - growing on top of a new brewery distribution centre just outside Southwold - is looking green and lush. The distribution centre was unveiled by local brewers Adnams earlier this month.

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It's built from lime, hemp and chalk blocks and is said to be a "pioneer" in environmentally-friendly architecture.听 It is set low in the site of an old gravel pit and the `living' roof effectively acts as camouflage, allowing the building to merge into the natural surroundings of the countryside.

Green roof

The roof of the 2,382 square-metre facility is covered entirely in sedum - which is made up of a carpet of thick fleshy plants.听 It's about a-third of the size of a football pitch - and the sedum could even be mistaken for turf.

Rainwater stored in the sedum is harvested and then used for flushing staff toilets and washing the firm's lorries.听 The building has been designed to slash energy costs and remove carbon dioxide from the air.

The roof is also adorned with solar panels which will heat 80% of the hot water on the site and the brewer says that the building as a whole will cut energy bills by half.听 A waste water system will pass dirty water through a septic tank and through reed beds before being returned to nearby ponds.

First in the UK

The brewery says the centre is the first commercial building in the UK to be constructed is such an environmentally-friendly way.听 The vapour permeable blocks mean that 30% of the wall is locked in carbon dioxide which helps regulate temperature inside more efficiently.听

"It is refreshing to see a business developing such a unique building that will not cause an unsightly blot on the landscape"
Cllr Michael Ladd

Andy Wood, managing director of Adnams said: "We evaluate all areas of the business to find ways of lessening its impact on the environment.听 The environmental option came at a premium, but it makes astute business sense and is a sustainable investment for the future of this British company.鈥澨�

听"As energy prices soar this energy efficient building will make substantial savings. I believe that Adnams is shaping the path for other businesses to follow."

Traffic cut

The Labour Mayor of Southwold, Councillor Michael Ladd, said residents would be "grateful" as it would cut traffic going through the town.听听 He added: "It is refreshing to see a business developing such a unique building that will not cause an unsightly blot on the landscape."

The new building will replace the Victoria Street site in Southwold, which was built in 1980. Adnams has been brewing cask ales since 1872. It has 84 pubs and employs 300 staff.

last updated: 23/04/2008 at 14:36
created: 27/10/2006

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