New green building to help save money and environment

The new complex at Selby will embrace pioneering eco-friendly technology, cutting costs and waste for both Selby District Council and its partners NHS North Yorkshire and York.

Selby Council Leader Mark Crane said: "The predicted carbon emissions from the building will be around 24 per cent below the recommended levels stated in the building regulations – equating to a reduction in carbon emissions of over 90 tons per year.

"All local authorities have to abide by national targets relating to climate change. And one of these national indicators is a reduction in CO2 from local authority operations.

"The green aspects of the new building will help us meet this target but will also help us to keep our running costs to a minimum.

"In this difficult economic environment we have to make sure we take every opportunity that is available to us to save money."

When completed, the Selby Community Project's green credentials will be among the best in the region.

The project has been rated "excellent" under the national environment assessment tool.

One of the main energy savers will be natural ventilation and by using materials such as concrete that buffers heat from the sun – keeping the inside cool.

That will spare the expense of installing air conditioning, which requires lots of power to run.

Solar panels in the recycled aluminium roof will generate renewable electricity.

Shading and solar control glass will reduce overheating by the sun. Lights will be programmed to turn off when not needed. Low flow taps will cut water and heating bills.

Work on the building started in March this year and is on schedule to be finished next spring. It is anticipated that hospital will move in by June next year, followed by Selby Council staff at the start of August.

MD of North Yorkshire and York Community and Mental Health Services Janet Probert said: "Investing in this new building will actually save us money in the long-term because of shared resources and reduced running and maintenance costs compared to our existing buildings."