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Builders and plumbers merchant group Wolseley has refurbished its ground-breaking sustainability showcase, the Sustainable Building Center in Leamington Spa.
MPs on the Commons Environmental Audit Committee attended the official opening of the refurbished facility last week.
The 6,800 sq ft SBC has been upgraded from a living, interactive showcase, with live, working products, to include facilities to offer 22 BPEC accredited training courses including both renewables product training and courses on legislation and safety requirements.
People undertaking the training courses will have access to live, working products including solar thermal, PV, rainwater & grey water harvesting. There are also classroom facilities.
Joan Walley MP, Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee said: “The Sustainable Building Center is a shining example of the kind of eco-entrepreneurialism that is needed to revitalise Britain’s economy – and I am delighted to be re-opening it after its refit.
“Climate change is often talked about in terms of gloom and doom, but with innovative businesses like this we can turn this problem into an opportunity.
Members for the Environmental Audit Committee were given a presentation and tour by Tim Pollard, Head of Sustainability, during their visit.
Plumb Center renewables director, Simon Allan said: “The SBC has been upgraded from a living, interactive centre enabling visitors to experience the latest technologies and the widest range of sustainable, energy-efficient and recycled building products, to include facilities to offer a range of renewable training courses including both product training and courses on legislation and safety requirements.”
The building itself features 170 types of products, including photovoltaics, solar thermal systems, ground and air source heat pumps, biomass, rainwater harvesting, water saving devices and sustainable urban drainage. It also features other sustainable technologies such as a sedum roof, e-glazing, natural and low energy lighting, a variety of insulation and green floor coverings.
