Environmental charity Groundwork Leicester & Leicestershire (GWLL), formerly known as Environ, was determined to practise what it preaches by making its own premises, Parkfield, environmentally friendly.
When GWLL took over a derelict school in Western Park its first priority was to brighten up the building using low-VOC paints. The next step was to replace the large windows, which were very draughty, with double glazing made with wood from sustainable forests.
The amount of water used at Parkfield has been reduced using a rainwater harvesting system, which collects rain from the roof for toilet flushing. Staff can also use a compost toilet which does not use any water.
GWLL is very keen to make its premises welcoming to wildlife, so a green roof was laid over the front of the building. Sedums, wild grasses and drought-resistant plants were planted to provide a new habitat. Animals, birds and insects are also attracted by a well established pond, wildflowers, meadows and native trees in the grounds.
Parkfield has also been designed to help staff reduce their environmental impact. They can easily cycle to work because a secure bike shed and showers are provided. Staff are also encouraged to recycle using designated recycling bins to separate glass, paper and cardboard, aluminium cans, plastic bottles and compostable waste.
Communications Team Manager Ben Dodd says: “We have taken an existing, derelict building and refurbished in an environmentally friendly way to demonstrate good practice. We also wanted our office to blend in with the beautiful parkland around us and I think our green roof really helped us to achieve that.”
For further details contact Ben Dodd on 0116 222 0239 or email bdodd@gwll.org.uk .
Outstanding environmental features:
Rainwater harvesting system, compost toilet and a green roof
Other green features:
Designated recycling area, on-site composting, low-energy lighting, double-glazing throughout, draught lobby entrance, specific design for passive solar gain, urinal flushing controls, cycle parking, FSC timber, natural floor coverings, low-VOC paints and grounds managed to provide habitat.