Sustainable Building
If homes and other buildings are to be sustainable, they should be built or renovated with efficient use of energy and other resources in mind, not just during construction but in the long-term use of the building. Building developments, and improvements to existing properties, should have a high quality of architectural design whilst taking account of the historic environment, community safety and whole-life costing, not just in financial terms but also cost to the environment.
Waste and disruption can be minimised during the construction phases and in the longer term if the materials used and features installed are designed to minimise maintenance, running costs and environmental impact. Ideally, new buildings should be designed so they are flexible enough to respond to future changes in use and increasing resilience to storms and flooding, and incorporating greater temperature control systems may help in meeting the challenges of a changing climate.
Waste and disruption can be minimised during the construction phases and in the longer term if the materials used and features installed are designed to minimise maintenance, running costs and environmental impact. Ideally, new buildings should be designed so they are flexible enough to respond to future changes in use and increasing resilience to storms and flooding, and incorporating greater temperature control systems may help in meeting the challenges of a changing climate.
On the Trail...
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The Down to Earth Project site exhibits a range of sustainability features including cob buildings, renewable energy sources, rainwater harvesting and sustainable waste management techniques. The project is a social enterprise and centre for sustainability education running courses in traditional and natural building methods and working with schools and community organisations to design and build outdoor spaces using natural materials.
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The Environment Centre has a number of interesting sustainability features that demonstrate the use of recycled materials, local materials, renewable energy and energy efficiency. The Eco-Annexe, built in 1999, includes underfloor heating, turfed roofs, recycled paper insulation, window frames from oak thinnings, locally sourced green oak columns, Welsh slate floor tiles and recycled tyre rubber entrance mats. Ventilation is the space is aided by a solar chimney and fans that are powered by a solar PV panel.
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Gower Wildflower Cafe has a native wildflower roof which is irrigated by recycled rain water. There is also a small roundhouse on site and a number of interesting sustainable building and environmental management features including ground source energy, rainwater harvesting and a bio-digester and reedbed filter for waste water.
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Swansea Bus Station was designed and built to BREEAM environmental standards and includes a grey water collection system, LED lighting and light sensors.
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Ty Tom Jones Swansea Foyer was built with several environmental features include solar panels and photovoltaic panels, water-saving and energy-saving devices, and high levels of insulation. The design of flats around a central ‘street’ provides plenty of natural light and ventilation within the building.
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Other Trail projects that demonstrate the Sustainable Building theme:
Bishop's Wood Local Nature Reserve
Red Café
Swansea Community Farm
Bishop's Wood Local Nature Reserve
Red Café
Swansea Community Farm