Environment

This new Madeley Centre is proposed as an outstanding example of sustainable development, aiming to be carbon neutral. Our research so far suggests that the new Centre is likely to be the first carbon neutral Centre of its kind in the UK.   It will seek designation as an Eco-centre.  

 

 

The features which it will incorporate are based on the following recommendations:

Energy efficiency and renewables

1.         ‘Energy-saving recommended’ thermal insulation for floors, walls and ceilings (e.g. sheep wool, recycled paper), efficient draught exclusion, double/triple glazing for all windows, glass panels or doors, use of low-energy light bulbs.    

2.         South facing glazed corridors where possible to act as solar collectors for passive solar heating gain.     

3.         Interlocking photovoltaic roof tiles will form one massive solar panel on the roof providing electricity for the building. The inclusion of passive solar thermal panels will provide hot water.

4.         A ground source heat pump will provide 'free' heat for the building.

5.         Ventilation and cooling provided by sufficient opening windows and doors, rather than air conditioning.                

6.         All electrical appliances in kitchen, toilets, etc to be ‘A’ rated energy-efficient (EU energy label scheme).

Water conservation

7.         All showers, baths, toilets etc to take account of water conservation technology (low flush, ‘grey’ water recycling, etc).

8.         ‘Green roof’ plus ‘green walls’ wherever possible for amenity (and biodiversity) value, also to increase thermal performance, and reduce storm water run-off. The roof will be planted with Sedum (house leek) species, or grass/wildflowers to replace the grassland habitat which will be lost by the building’s footprint. A green roof would also improve the acoustic performance of the building.

9.         Other sustainable drainage schemes (SUDs) to deal with and surface water run off – porous surfaces for footpaths  and car park.   A reed bed to deal with sewerage (this will probably need to be augmented by mains sewerage as there will almost certainly not be a large enough area available for reeds alone to cope)

10.       Rainwater Harvesting will provide stored rainwater which will be used for the water supply to the allotments on the site.

Biodiversity conservation

11.       Landscaping of surrounding grounds, including the car park, to be wildlife-friendly, with both formal and informal areas. A sensitive and less frequent mowing regime will allow wild flower areas to flourish.   Part to be managed as a wildlife garden (the Extra Care grounds to incorporate a sensory garden), containing a pond (with shallow sloping sides for health & safety and ecological reasons, frogs, hedgehogs etc to climb out!).   This area will be available for formal and informal environmental education by local schoolchildren.   A Community Orchard will be planted with native species of fruit tree (probably around the edge of the site so as to maximise use of the area).

Healthy and local food

12.       A cafe promoting healthy eating, offering Fair Trade goods, food from local suppliers, and hosting a Farmers’ Market.

Light pollution

13.       All outdoor lighting will be angled downward so as not to cause light pollution.

Noise pollution

14.       The efficient thermal insulation of the building will also help to reduce noise.

Sustainable travel

15.       The building is on several bus routes. The local Police Station and Post Office (which are at present situated on a main road and causing congestion at times) have indicated they would like to be housed in the new Village Hall. The mobile Library uses the site already, and will continue to do so. Many other users have expressed a wish to use the new facilities, and this will reduce the need for travel into Newcastle for services, amenity and leisure activities – not just for Madeley residents but for those from neighbouring villages. The Rural Runabout will be used to collect people and take them home in the same way as and as an alternative to public transport.

Village design statement and sustainable development

16.       The appearance of the building, although modern in style, will nevertheless have to complement the Village Design Statement.   The materials will be from sustainable sources, e.g. Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) certified timber to ensure that the forest has been managed in an environmentally sensitive manner.   Paint should contain no Volatile Organic Compounds.   Local materials will be used wherever possible, recycled where possible.   Local labour will be used wherever possible.

17.       The building will be accessible to people of all abilities.

18.       There will be a recycling facility on site for e.g. newspapers, glass, etc (to be negotiated with the County Council).

19.       The Village Hall will provide social, economic and environmental amenities for Madeley and its surrounding villages, reducing the need for travel into Newcastle, and an eco-centre for all residents to be proud of and which will be well used.