MMM DESIGN SWITCHES ON THE SUN IN BANGOR!

26 Apr 2010

Local construction company MMM Design and Build has teamed up with the Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) SMART programme to switch on the sun for future homeowners in Bangor! Construction work is nearly complete on a development of environmentally friendly apartments, which will showcase the latest renewable energy technologies and energy saving measures, including solar roof tiles.



Electricity generating solar panels, part funded by the NIE SMART programme, have been installed on the roof of the 34 apartment Inverbeg House development. The 13kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system will generate approximately 11,000 units of environmentally friendly electricity every year to help reduce the cost of lighting the communal areas.



Paul Rafferty, Surveying Director with MMM Design and Build, says “Inverbeg House has offered a unique opportunity to try out, monitor and demonstrate many green technologies and energy saving methods. We will be able to use the lessons we have learnt with this development to promote innovative community design and environmentally responsible construction, and it will help us to stay at the forefront of sustainable living into the future. We believe that individual carbon footprints are rising and this type of home will save both energy and money for years to come.”



In addition to the solar panels for the communal areas, these apartments are highly insulated and feature energy efficient lighting and water conserving measures. The highly efficient gas boilers will produce a 25% improvement of CO2 emissions over current Building Regulation requirements and the recycling compartments built into the kitchens are but a few of the innovative energy saving measures which have been included. All of these features have helped this development achieve its target rating of Level 3 under the Code for Sustainable Homes.



Sarah Beldon from NIE Energy visited the site this week and says that putting renewable energy technologies onto new homes is an important step forward for Northern Ireland developers and Northern Ireland Electricity, through its SMART programme, is delighted to be able to offer support. “These homes are ideal for energy conscious householders - a combination of the most up-to-date energy saving measures as well as solar panels supplying electricity for the communal areas.



“Householders living in this type of property will not only benefit from lower energy bills, they will also be doing their bit for the environment. We hope other construction companies will follow MMM Design and Build’s lead and look at incorporating renewable technologies into the design of future homes.”



The NIE SMART programme is funded by Northern Ireland Electricity and managed by NIE Energy. To find out how you can switch onto solar, or make your home or business more energy efficient go to www.nie-yourenergy.co.uk .

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