Jun 7 2006
Gazeley showcased its award winning ‘Voltaic’ warehouse development to David Miliband MP, the newly appointed Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
The Minster was making a special trip out from his ministerial offices to visit Voltaic, which is located within the Dagenham Dock Sustainable Industrial Park.
Voltaic was constructed by Gazeley using its pioneering sustainable development concept – EcoTemplate*.
EcoTemplate warehouses incorporate eco-effective measures designed to significantly reduce the impact of the building on the environment. The warehouses feature recyclable and sustainable materials and renewables, which lower energy and water consumption, cut carbon dioxide emissions, generate clean energy from renewable sources, as well as reducing operational costs.
For example, Voltaic will prevent a total of 102.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the earth’s atmosphere and save 400,000 litres of water each year - representing a carbon dioxide saving of 8.12%, an energy saving of 8.3%, and a 50% reduction in water use per annum.
James Behrens, Development Director for Gazeley and Solarcentury’s Patrice Clements escorted the Minister and the Chief Executive of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, Rob Whiteman, on a fact finding tour of the 232,965 sq ft (21,643 sq m) distribution facility and were on hand to answer the Minister’s questions concerning the new technologies and renewable energy sources incorporated in the building’s design.
David Miliband said: “I congratulate Barking and Dagenham Council for making this a reality, and I very much enjoyed seeing Voltaic and hearing Gazeley’s plans for further sustainable development.
"This is an excellent development, which will provide much-needed jobs for the area. I am pleased that the development combines economic development and environmental action, showing that these two go hand-in-hand.”
James Behrens, Development Director for Gazeley comments.
“Our EcoTemplate buildings are setting the bench mark for sustainable development and we are progressing towards our ultimate goal of delivering low or zero carbon footprint buildings.
“Gazeley has taken the long-term view and believes that businesses must become environmentally aware and more energy efficient to survive. The suite of EcoTemplate elements fitted at our warehouses are provided free of charge to the occupier – 100% funded by the developer – reflecting our long-term commitment to and investment in the project. In addition, we have made our research findings and recommendations available to the industry, including our competitors.”
Gazeley’s EcoTemplate model has attracted immense interest from businesses, local and national government and other leading construction and professional bodies. Earlier this year (February 2006) Jim Fitzpatrick MP, the then Minister for London visited the new development at Dagenham Dock. While Shadow Environment Minister Greg Barker MP visited Gazeley’s Turbine EcoTemplate warehouses located at Bedford and called for the Government to back proposals to require renewable energy features in most new commercial and residential buildings.