TLC - Think Low Carbon

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1 Jefferson Sheard Architects are leading the way in sustainable design with both current work and recently completed projects encompassing a range of renewable technologies. Jefferson Sheard is working closely with Barnsley College to achieve its ambitious vision to create a Low Carbon Innovation Park. The first stage of the Park is the Think Low Carbon Centre (TLC), creating an internationally recognised centre of excellence in low carbon innovation. The project will facilitate research, development and knowledge transfer for environmental technologies, enabling businesses to exploit emerging markets in this sector. This innovative project is the first of its kind in the Yorkshire and Humber region. In 2009, the global market for low carbon goods and services was estimated to be 3 trillion and is projected to grow to more than 4.3 trillion by Around 800,000 people in the UK are employed in the green sector, making it one of the fastest growing industries in the country. Green technologies will be needed by the construction sector to ensure that new and existing buildings meet challenging carbon reduction targets. The European Regional Development Fund has invested 2.75m as part of Europe s support for the region s economic development. The remainder of the building s cost has been self financed by the College.

2 Land Use: The Think Low Carbon Centre signifies the starting point of Barnsley College s vision for a Low Carbon Innovation Park. The TLC Centre has followed Phase One of the Barnsley College project where several campuses were combined into one site. Thus, the Centre forms part of a Master plan for Barnsley College that makes a major contribution to the Remaking Barnsley initiative, as the college occupies a prime spot at the gateway to the town. The TLC Centre will be joined shortly by the Barnsley College Demonstrator Houses project, which aims to educate students and provide research and knowledge in an area vital to the construction industry through the creation of 10 demonstration houses. Each of the houses will demonstrate a type of construction from periods ranging between the years 1896 and 2016, and will be upgraded to modern standards of performance as set out by the government s targets for reducing carbon emissions. Hence, the Think Low Carbon Centre is in-keeping with its environment, which will be used as an interactive building for local SMEs and visitors to the centre; the TLC Centre is one of a number of projects that are part of an environmentally focused Master plan at Barnsley College. A new Construction Centre will be situated adjacent to the TLC on the Low Carbon Park and will incorporate the latest and innovative technologies which will assist in the continued expansion of the current outstanding provision in Apprenticeships, Re-engagement programmes for NEETs and unemployed individuals. Demonstration Housing Units Think Low Carbon Centre Barnsley College Master plan Low Carbon Park (Red Boundary)

3 Solar Thermal System Sustainable Materials: The pallet of materials for the external envelope has been selected to be of a high quality suitable for a centre of vocational excellence and a publicly notable facility, and to demonstrate where appropriate the use of sustainable principles. Some of the external materials used included: Western red cedar rain screen cladding; Stack bonded block work; Timber and Aluminium composite curtain walling. Energy/Water Efficiency: The building structure has been designed and built to incorporate a variety of energy saving mechanisms and also incorporates a Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) in order to make the entire project as energy and water efficient as possible. The SUD system consists of Green Roofs, Permeable Paving and a Retention Pond most of the recycled water is used for building cleaning and maintenance. Water is absorbed and used by the green roofs, however any excess run off is collected by the rainwater harvesting system. The headline sustainable technologies for the TLC Centre include: Ground & air source heat pumps; Biomass boiler systems; Evaporative cooling systems; Photo-voltaics & solar thermal systems; Wind power generation; Sustainable drainage and plumbing solutions; Green roof techniques; Natural daylighting and ventilation; Rainwater harvesting and storm water management; Innovative low energy, high performance building materials such as the Modcell straw bale walling system and Porotherm clay block system. The energy saving systems include the technologies as noted under the sustainable materials section and are measured and managed using a Building Management System (BMS). Within this the technology efficiencies are monitored and controlled - all the settings for the building can be accessed from this central hub. Evaporative Cooling System & Green Roof Above: Services on display; Above Right: Photo-voltaics; Below: Silo for pellets for Biomass Boiler System

4 Design: As a centre of excellence the building itself is looking to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating (under assessment); the building incorporates the use of sustainable technologies and materials alongside effective use of natural resources so that they function both as an integral element of the building and as a skills aid to inform the building users. With two open plan practical workshops, multi function rooms and a demonstration area the College will enable small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to explore new products and to test the latest developments within the industry. The design of the Centre takes into consideration the building s function as an interactional learning tool for building users by exposing features including the under-floor heating system and rainwater harvesting system, as well as designing a demonstrator-plant room. The BMS system has information displays within the reception area to notify visitors of the building s performance, generation and usage of electricity, water and heat. This information can be used by facilities staff to tweak the building s operational performance as well as providing information for visitors. Community Impact: The Centre will support the research and creation of zero carbon buildings and renewable technologies that reduce the carbon footprint of existing buildings. Recognising the anticipated future skills shortages within the industry Barnsley College will be the first in the region to provide such research facilities, the construction of the TLC Centre is set to turn Yorkshire into one of the most forward thinking regions for the development of sustainable technologies, techniques and projects. The Centre aims to reduce the region s carbon footprint while developing skill in the construction and renewable energy industries. Through the existence of the Think Low Carbon Centre, SMEs will be enabled to make new developments within these industries. It will help ensure that more homes, businesses and new buildings in the region will become energy efficient and that the region s construction industry will be fully equipped to implement forthcoming legal requirements. Students from both Barnsley and Derby Colleges toured the site and were given a unique insight into the design features and construction techniques being used. Jefferson Sheard and Modcell demonstrated the use of carbon-neutral features in the building. Demonstrator-plant Room

5 The Barnsley College TLC Sustainable Centre is set up to be a flagship initiative for skills development in the construction industry. Working together with existing and new partners we hope to drive down this region s carbon footprint and increase its development and sustainability. Colin Booth Principal, Barnsley College We are delighted to be assisting Barnsley College in developing the future Low Carbon Construction workforce, through the development of new facilities Peter Bonfield Chief Executive, BRE Jefferson Sheard Architects Jefferson Sheard Architects believe that we have a responsibility to care for and protect the environment in which we operate. As a company, we recognise both the direct and indirect environmental impacts occurring as a result of our operations. We are fully committed to improving the environmental performance of our operations, and strive to encourage our business partners, clients and stakeholders to join us in this effort. Our building solutions are accomplished through maximising the potential of any given site, and creating environmental benefits, both in terms of energy efficiency and conservation of natural resources. For further information please contact: Katrin Milano Marketing Manager Jefferson Sheard Architects Fulcrum 2 Sidney Street Sheffield S1 4RH Tel: +44 (0) katrin.milano@jeffersonsheard.com