Bridge-5 Mill is an example of environmental design with high energy efficiency systems, a high standard of insulation, renewable energy sources and non-toxic and recycled materials used throughout. This was acknowledged in 2001 when MERCi won Manchester Civic Society's award for Manchester 's most energy efficient building.
Making the refurbishment sustainable was a more complex process than perhaps it would seem at first, with a wide number of competing issues. For example is it more sustainable to buy a product that is more efficient from Sweden, or a less `eco-tech' product made locally? And what if the company who sells a certain product that has a high environmental rating, happens to be a road building company or owned by an arms trade company?
To make this process easier and to try to keep the decisions consistent, MERCi developed an environmental refurbishment policy (see Refurbishment of Bridge-5 Mill Environmental Policy pdf.) Part of this is a hierarchy of issues to be considered when making decisions about what to buy. The policy required building materials to be assessed in the following order of preference:
As this hierarchy would only cover the product and not the supplier the policy also acknowledged the need to: ` Ask suppliers to provide environmental and ethical information about their products and practices so that those which disregard the environment, human well-being or animal welfare may be avoided'.
From the outset of establishing a Centre for Sustainable Living an existing building was desired rather than constructing a new building on open land. A strict environmental criteria was applied to the design of the refurbishment and all materials were assessed for their environmental impact.
Below are some of the things we did to reduce the Bridge-5 Mills' impact on the local and global environment:
Renewable Energy Sources
Bridge-5 Mill purchases electricity it cannot generate on-site from a renewable energy generator. (See the green electricity web page for a list of renewable energy suppliers you can purchase clean, green power from.)
MERCi utilises solar panels generating a peak output of 1.3 kilowatts - which is used to power a computer in the 'You Are Here' Exhibition. To the best of our knowledge this is the first use of solar power within Manchester. We also have a small Marlec wind generator for educational purposes.
Energy Efficient
Gas condensing boilers on each floor used in conjunction with zoning and monitoring techniques help to minimise energy use. Visit the Energy Saving Trust web page for money off deals to buy energy efficiency appliances.
Climate Change Abatement
MERCi is committed to purchasing its' electricity from a renewable energy company and we are looking into purchasing gas from a supplier who is part of a carbon storage scheme. This is a financial tariff, which supports the planting of trees and investment in renewable energy schemes, which compensates for the carbon dioxide emissions resulting from the buildings' operation.
Lighting
Following the guidelines of relevant European Union directives, the buildings' internal design has utilised natural lighting to a maximum, with all offices having access to natural daylight. Low energy florescent lighting ensures greater efficiency compared to traditional lights.
Windows
After extensive investigation a decision was made to use wooden, double-glazed, K-glass windows throughout the Centre.
Insulation
The building uses a number of insulation materials, which act as an educational tool exploring their practical uses. Materials used experimentally include shredded paper, shredded polystyrene packaging, straw, and reclaimed rock wool.
Reclaimed Materials
We have striven to use as much reclaimed materials as possible to reduce our environmental impact, save funds and to ensure a welcoming atmosphere. Over 80% of the materials used in the refurbishment are reclaimed. We have used reclaimed timber, bricks, insulation, doors, radiators etc. For example, cardboard and polystyrene left from the previous owner is used as insulation. Hardcore from the construction of the lift is used in the disabled access ramp.
Salvo webpage has a list of reclaimed materials specialists.
A PVC free Building
Because of the growing evidence concerning the environmental and health implications of PVC plastic, the Centre is a PVC-free building. Any purchased cabling, ducting, piping and other refurbishment materials are manufactured from PVC-free materials like other plastics, or metals.
AECB website lists PVC free material manufacturers.
Environmentally-friendly Paints
Due to the health impacts of solvent-based paints and the environmental concerns about the petroleum industry, MERCi has striven to use water based paints which use natural earth pigments. We used Kiem Paints to paint plaster-work and natural earth pigments (from Calch Ty-Mawr Lime Ltd) to stain concrete.
Water Conservation
All toilets are designed to use a minimal amount of water. Most sinks include spray taps. On the top floor we have a compost toilet, which uses no water. There are future plans to collect, treat and re-use the buildings' rain water to flush toilets.
Timber from Sustainably Managed Forests
The use of reclaimed timber is maximised, but where virgin timber is purchased we ensure that it is Forest Stewardship Council certified. This is an independent system established by the Soil Association and World Wide Fund for Nature to ensure timber comes from sustainable sources.
" What a great building it is too - if only I lived there! "
Quote from Manchester Civic Society" Sustainable practices such as respect for local building materials and traditions, and the preservation of the building character is applauded. "
Jeff Gibson - Energy Council." Use of recycled materials, particularly for insulation is applauded "
Jeff Gibson, Energy Council.
MERCi's Building Green Report (opens in new window)