British Waterways and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) have unveiled an innovative energy saving scheme at the pharmaceutical giant's canal-side global headquarters in West London.
Spring 2009
The new green initiative will use canal water and heat exchange technology to provide a more sustainable alternative to traditional air conditioning - with a target of reducing GSK's head office carbon dioxide emissions by 920 tonnes per annum and lowering its energy bills.
In Scotland, the Boathouse pub at Auchinstarry on the Forth & Clyde Canal (pictured), a joint venture between Scottish & Newcastle Pub Enterprises (S&NPE) and British Waterways Scotland, uses a geothermal heating system and the residual heat in the canal to generate hot water and heating, whilst a reed bed treats waste naturally.
All the timber used in the construction has been harvested from a sustainable source and all general building materials were sourced according to the BRE Green Guide to Specification. Additional eco-friendly features include high levels of insulation, water saving sanitary fittings, energy efficient lighting and low energy consumption refrigeration and cellar cooling. The result is an estimated minimum 25% reduction in energy consumption compared to similarly sized pubs.
Dr Olivia Lassiere, heritage and environment manager, British Waterways Scotland said: “We are currently in discussions with a number of developers alongside the canals in Scotland who are interested in this technology. These types of interventions demonstrate British Waterways Scotland’s practical commitment to reducing the impacts of climate change. We actively encourage the greening of future developments along the canals in Scotland.”