Wind turbine for ‘green’ garden

THE Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has made a step towards improving climate control by erecting a wind turbine in its garden at Harlow Carr in Harrogate.

The 20m high, 15kW wind turbine will produce energy to supply the garden’s new carbon neutral  learning centre and library with heat, power and light. On completion next summer the learning centre will be used to teach around 10,000 gardeners every year the benefits of sustainable gardening.

Launched by celebrity gardener Alan Titchmarsh in January last year, the new-build £3m centre has been designed by Andrew Yeats of Cumbrian firm Eco Arc Architects. Using thermal properties of the site, renewable energy sources, rainwater, sunlight, natural ventilation and an imaginative response to biodiversity, the building is expected to gain one of the UK’s highest ever BREEAM ratings.

Environmentally sound materials have been used wherever possible in the construction of the building. Products include 100% recycled aggregate external blockwork, super efficient insulation and internal clay blocks that absorb moisture in the winter and rehydrate the air in the summer. The sedum roof will help displace the footprint of the building by absorbing carbon, producing oxygen and providing a natural habitat for local species.

Next spring the RHS is holding the last of three knowledge sharing seminars and workshops about the construction of the centre.  The events aim to help architects, engineers, project managers and building specifiers glean information on environmentally sustainable products and understand the challenges in integrating applications.

For a free place at the event email harlowcarrpr@rhs.org.uk or rachael@sirastudio.com.