Clean green energy at the Playtrail this autumn!

13 Oct 2009

Clean green energy at the Playtrail this autumn!

Children in Derry will be playing, learning and helping the environment this autumn! The Playtrail in Derry has put the sunny finishing touches to its unique EcoBase educational centre with the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on the south facing roof.

This is the first building in Northern Ireland to receive funding from the Low Carbon Buildings Programme Phase 2, with top up funding provided by Northern Ireland Electricity’s Smart Programme. The 3.5kW solar PV system will produce around 2500 units of environmentally friendly electricity every year, that’s a saving of up to £400 on The Playtrail’s annual energy bill.

Sarah Beldon, NIE Energy, visited The Playtrail this week to see the solar panels in action. She says: “This is a truly sustainable building and the installation of solar panels complements the environmental ethos of the EcoBase. NIE hopes that the very visible solar array and the educational programme at EcoBase will encourage everyone who visits the centre to think about their own energy usage, and how renewable energy can play a valuable role in safeguarding our natural environment.”

The highly glazed Eco-Base uses a range of modern and traditional energy saving measures. The building is constructed from strawbales, using traditional building techniques, while modern glazing and a high level of recycled newspaper insulation keeps the building warm in winter and cool in summer. The roof slates are made from recycled rubber and the centre has incorporated a rainwater harvesting system and energy efficient lighting to further reduce its carbon footprint.

Mark Roberts, Manager at the Playtrail says: “The Playtrail is delighted with our new PV System, which adds the finishing touch to our unique EcoBase building. Given that we are a community enterprise, the sustainability element of the new system is of great benefit to the organisation and we would encourage other community groups to avail of this funding. Our PV system should ensure that we don't have an electricity bill to worry about and that's a bonus."

To find out more about saving energy and renewable energy solutions for your home, community or business check out the NIE Energy website at www.nie-yourenergy.co.uk

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