Merchant opens sustainability showcase
Wolseley, the construction materials, distributor has opened a national showcase for sustainable building products and construction methods.
The 6,800 sq ft Sustainable Building Center, built at a cost of £3.2 million, is said to be the first building of its kind in the UK, providing a living, interactive centre for decision-makers throughout the construction industry.
The building, at Wolseley UK’s18-acre site at Leamington Spa in Warwickshire, “will help make sustainable building a reality”, according to the company. “It will enable all involved in construction - from architects through to jobbing builders - to experience the latest technologies and the widest range of sustainable, energy-efficient and recycled building products.”
The Center brings together information about 7,000 sustainable products that are available through Wolseley’s 1,800 branch network including Build Center and Plumb Center.
Many of the products are shown in their working environment, to provide visitors with hard data on the quantifiable benefits of the latest materials and construction methods. Renewable energy generators, such as solar panels, have been installed with a display showing the amount of power they are generating.
Real-world sustainable products have been incorporated into the building from below the ground to the roof including drainage, sub-structure, walls, roofs, finishes, floors, windows, heating and ventilation, lighting, bathrooms and landscaping.
The two-storey building also features a training and presentation theatre and café facilities for events, launches and demonstrations.
Nigel Sibley, Wolseley UK managing director, said: “Both regulation, such as the Code for Sustainable Homes, and market forces are driving the construction industry to embrace sustainability. Recent steep rises in energy costs have also concentrated the minds of both householders and developers on the benefits of energy-efficient homes.
“Research indicates that our customers need impartial advice, which will foster an acceptance of sustainable products and approaches.”
The building itself features 170 types of product including: photovoltaics; micro wind; sedum roof; e-glazing; natural lighting; natural insulation; green floor coverings; mini Combined Heat and Power (CHP); rainwater harvesting; biomass; ground source heat pumps; engineered timber; low energy lighting; water saving devices; solar thermal; and sustainable drainage.
* Wolseley UK includes the Plumb Center, Build Center, Pipe Center, Drain Center, Climate Center, Parts Center, Brandon Hire, William Wilson and Encon chains.