News

14 March 2011

Leading the way forward in sustainable design

Jefferson Sheard Architects are working with Barnsley College to build a new low carbon knowledge transfer hub. The Think Low Carbon (TLC) Centre will address the Government’s ‘Green Agenda’ by supporting the research and development of environmental technologies. It is an innovative project, the first of its kind in the Yorkshire and Humber region.

The project will facilitate research, development and skills for environmental technologies. As a centre of excellence the building itself will achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating, the building will incorporate the use of sustainable technologies and materials alongside effective use of natural resources so that they function both as an integral element of the building and as a skills aid to inform the building users.

The Centre will support the research and creation of zero carbon buildings and renewable technologies that reduce the carbon footprint of existing buildings. With two open plan practical workshops, multi function rooms and a demonstration area the College will enable small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to explore new products and to test the latest developments within the industry.

Recognising the anticipated future skills shortages within the industry Barnsley College will be the first in the region to provide such research facilities, the construction of the TLC Centre is set to turn Yorkshire into one of the most forward thinking regions for the development of sustainable technologies, techniques and projects. The European Regional Development Fund has invested £2.75m as part of Europe's support for the region's economic development. The remainder of the building’s cost, totalling £4.5m will be self financed by the College.

Jefferson Sheard Architects are leading the way forward in sustainable design with both current work and recently completed projects encompassing a range of renewable technologies. The headline sustainable technologies for the TLC Centre will include: Ground & Air source heat pumps; Biomass boiler systems; Evaporative cooling systems; Photovoltaics; Solar thermal systems; Wind power generation; Sustainable drainage and pluming solutions; Green roof techniques; Natural daylighting and ventilation; Rainwater harvesting and storm water management; and innovative low energy, high performance building materials.

We have a rich history in winning environmental awards for our projects, recently we have been successful in achieving a number of sustainable awards including;

Green Apple Award 2010 - Seaton Road Housing Project, Uppingham
Care 4 Air 2010 - Sheffield City Campus for The Sheffield College
Sheffield Telegraph Environment Awards Building and Design 2010 - Sheffield City Campus for The Sheffield College
EMCBE Sustainability Award 2010 - Varsity Rise Housing Development, Manby
Constructing Excellence Legacy (Sustainability) Award 2010 - Varsity Rise Housing Development, Manby

To view further information on our 'Green' projects please download our Sustainable Design | Sustainable Practice brochure.