greenfuture.html

ICC News

Future Looks Green for Construction

[Source: http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk | October 20, 2008]

A survey of construction industry professionals by the Chartered Institute of Building found that the vast majority believe that “green” building is the future of the construction industry.

Ian Nicol, managing director of sustainable energy solutions firm Active, here outlines the benefits of energy-efficient buildings.

He said: “As energy prices continue to rise, an increasing number of business owners are looking to safeguard their future energy commitments by investing in energy-efficient buildings.

“Although the technology and building principles are already used extensively within the colder climates of Europe, it is only now that companies are beginning to take a serious look at how renewable technologies can benefit business.”

In May, Active announced plans to build one of the UK’s most energy-efficient buildings at Minto Commercial Park, Altens, Aberdeen. The Active renewable energy centre will be the new headquarters for the firm and is expected to be completed early in 2009.

Mr Nicol said: “The building will incorporate the very latest renewable technologies including solar panels, a wind turbine and ground source heat pumps.

“It will generate all of its own electricity and we plan to sell any additional power back to the National Grid.

“Although the initial construction will be more expensive than a typical industrial unit, it will be cheaper to run and will cost much less in the long-term.

“We also intend to measure the energy consumed and generated by the building and plan to use the data to demonstrate that investing in energy efficiency can bring long-term gains and makes sound commercial sense.

“We have a good team involved with the project and, by working closely with our architect, Halliday Fraser Munro, we hope to deliver a truly outstanding building.”

There are not only financial benefits to investing in sustainable buildings. According to research by the Carbon Trust, more than three-quarters of UK employees now consider it important to work for a company that has an active policy to reduce carbon emissions.

[Original Release: http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/875139?UserKey&UserKey=]