Green works for Aquadrome

Date:  08 April 2009

An innovative building which will save energy is now up and running. Energy experts at Three Rivers District have developed a new toilet block with a ground source heating system.

The system works by pumping water underground, which heats it above air temperature in winter and cools it in summer. The system will also reduce the energy costs of the park warden's flat above the block.

Alison Scarth, cabinet member for sustainability, said:

"It's very fitting that an eco-friendly system should be installed in such beautiful, natural, surroundings. These systems are not only much greener, but also pay for themselves in a few years.

"Everyone is working to reduce their fuel bills and I would encourage people to contact the Energy Saving Trust or the Council for free advice. Most of us don't have enough loft insulation, for example, and a top-up can pay for itself in reduced heating bills very quickly. We are subsidising loft and cavity wall insulation for all private residents."

The new Cafe in the Park, which formed part of the building works, opened on Saturday (4 April). The opening was attended by Council Leader Ann Shaw.

Ann Shaw said:

"These new buildings are both sensitively designed and greener. Our expectation is that new development is much more eco-friendly, in particular in relation to C02 emissions. We have to practice what we preach and any future Council buildings or improvements will be much greener."

Cafe proprietor, Carly Trisk-Grove, said:

"Over the past four years, the Cafe in the Park has become central to many of our local community. It has been our pleasure and our privilege to be part of something that has given so many people so much joy. We've worked closely with the Council on the building and I'm pleased to see that sustainable heating is really starting to take off."          

How does it work?

Water pipes are buried three metres below ground where there is a heat level of 11 - 12 degrees Celsius. At this depth, the soil stays at a relatively constant temperature, compared to the much wider variations in the air of between minus 10 and plus 40 degrees C depending on the season. Because the ground is warmer than the air in winter and cooler than the air in summer, the single pumping system can help provide both heating and cooling at different times of the year.

Loft insulation or cavity wall insulation can be supplied and fitted for Three Rivers residents for £99. More information is available from Cocoon freephone 0800 8048 777.     

For all other energy saving advice residents can contact the Energy Saving Trust on freephone 0800 512 012 www.energysavingtrust.org.uk