Worcestershire Success Story

Going Green Indoors

What's it all about?

Experts at Worcestershire County Council are working at the cutting edge of design development to make public buildings more environmentally friendly. They use the latest techniques to produce buildings like Bishops Wood Environmental Education Centre near Stourport-on-Severn and Kidderminster library which both won top awards. Efforts are also being made to bring a new green lease of life to schools built in the 1950s and 1960s. Foil-lined sunpipes bring daylight into rooms, softwood timber from renewable sources is used where suitable and old telephone directories are pressed into service as wall insulation made from spun fibre from recycled paper.

Another technique is to design buildings so they are ventilated by natural currents of air rather than needing mechanical air conditioning. Glass roofs can also be planned so that they open automatically to let out heat in summer.

These techniques can prevent the emission of 32 tons of carbon dioxide a year from just one building. That is equal to the amount of gas in 32 hot air balloons - it is an enormous saving globally.

There are 45 designers working in the Design and Estates Unit and most of their work is now done on computers. They include Dermot Galvin and David Millis who were the first people in the County to use recycled newspaper insulation in building construction. The unit's work is also used by teachers to illustrate lessons about sustainabilty, while the healthier environment means children learn more because it is easier to concentrate.

Where next?

There is a continuing programme to improve and update schools and other buildings as money becomes available. Design staff are also experimenting with new sustainable materials like rubber and lino flooring or using materials with high recycled content including blockwork and plasterboard.

Want to know more?
For further information, contact Peter Lines, Design Unit Manager 01905 76 6438 or email him on plines@worcestershire.gov.uk