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BCTV Opens New Green HQ

Posted: 16/10/2006

BTCV, (British Trust For Conservation Volunteers) the UK practical conservation charity* has officially opened Sedum House, its new green £1.8 million sustainable head office and training centre in Doncaster. Ed Miliband MP, Minister for the Third Sector, was joined by Dr Helen Phillips, chief executive of Natural England, the Mayor of Doncaster Martin Winter, and Mike Smith, head of sustainable development at Yorkshire Forward for the ceremony on 6 October.

Tom Flood, BTCV chief executive, speaking at the ceremony, explained why the charity opted for sustainability. “Climate change is happening", he said, "and that means we all need to change the way we live and work. Sedum House is a beautiful example of an innovative and energy-efficient building that people enjoy working in; and we’re supporting local people who want to do their bit to reduce their carbon footprint too.

Some of the features which have helped Sedum House win a provisional 'excellent' rating from BRE are:-

The use of natural clay from Potteric Carr Nature Reserve next door in the remedial work to transform the old railway sidings and muddy car park into a safe site for the building and reclaimed bricks creating a patchwork design in the outside walls.

Internal features include: high efficiency lighting and heating, plasterboard with a high recycled content, and carpet tiles with 85% recyclable component enabling safer disposal at the end of their life. Windows were designed to maximise natural light and allow low winter sun to shine through and warm up the building, while the overhanging eaves will provide shade in summer.

Exposed ceilings have a high thermal mass that regulates internal temperatures and the sedum roof helps to keep the building warm in winter and cool in summer, improves biodiversity and absorbs most of the rainfall, releasing it gradually and helping to avoid flash flooding during a downpour.

Other sustainable aspects include: easy access to Doncaster’s cycle routes, cycle storage on site, shower facilities for staff and volunteers.

A bus stop close to the building allows easy access to and from Doncaster town centre and the new transport interchange and BCTV provide incentives to encourage car sharing, the use of public transport and bicycles. There is also a recycling collection room for office materials, cans and glass.

*Inspiring People, Improving Places - BTCV aims to connect people with place, build healthy, sustainable communities, and increase people’s life skills. It aims to create a better environment where people from all cultures feel valued, included and involved. BTCV supports 140,000 volunteers a year taking hands-on action to improve their urban and rural environments, and a Community Network supports local groups. BTCV offers regular conservation tasks, UK and International Conservation Holidays, the BTCV Green Gym®, training opportunities and an on-line Shop making products and services accessible to all.

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