A new Exeter Science Park building is to be “net zero carbon for operational energy”.
But where are the projects which are cutting the use of carbon in the construction of new buildings?
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The latest building at the joint Exeter City Council/East Devon District Council’s industrial estate – aka its Science Park – is being flagged as ‘net carbon neutral’:
And getting school-children to give it a name is a further piece of good PR – especially that of a formerly neglected female scientist:
Official name given to Exeter Science Park’s new building | radioexe.co.uk
exetersciencepark.co.uk/ada-lovelace-building/
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Disappointingly, though, most of the official line-up are not women:
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Work begins on new net zero carbon building at Exeter Science Park | exetersciencepark.co.uk
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Furthermore, does adding a number of solar panels on a roof of a new building really make it ‘net carbon neutral’?
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Work begins on new net zero carbon building at Exeter Science Park
Work on the new Ada Lovelace Building at Exeter Science Park has begun. The 20,000 square foot speculative office and laboratory space will aim to be net zero carbon for operational energy as a result of innovative design features, including 44kw solar roof-mounted solar-voltaic panels.
The Ada Lovelace Building is named after the 19th Century mathematician and computer scientist and is being built by Midas Construction, part of the Midas Group.
Exeter Science Park Limited is the Park developer and has four shareholders: Devon County Council, the University of Exeter, East Devon District Council and Exeter City Council.
A turf-cutting ceremony marked the start of work on the building which is due for completion in November 2020 and will bring up to 150 jobs to the area.
The building has been designed specifically for science, technology, engineering, maths and medical (STEMM) businesses and its internal spaces can be configured to suit tenants’ requirements. Workspaces ranging from 1,500 to 6,000 square feet available on each of three floors.
Work begins on new net zero carbon building at Exeter Science Park | exetersciencepark.co.uk
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The construction company and architects are clearly involved in a lot of innovative, ‘green’ technology:
midasgroup.co.uk ( This company is now in administration )
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The point is that the building will be “operationally” net-carbon neutral – that is, it won’t be using power from the grid:
Guest post: The problem with net-zero emissions targets | carbonbrief.org
Which is of course impressive:
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The Ada Lovelace Building at Exeter Science Park | youtube.com
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Surely, though, could not so much more be done – especially at such a showcase location as a ‘science park’?
Where are the projects which are cutting the use of carbon in the construction of new buildings?
Ideas for energy-efficient building
A green future for architecture
Circular construction: a solution to embodied carbon in buildings