New Scottish office design to generate 10% of own energy

Office design news from Morgan Lovell

Published on 12-07-2006

New office developments in Scotland will have to produce at least ten per cent of their energy from on site renewables sources, according to new proposals.

The Scottish Executives Planning Policy on Renewable Energy aims to increase the use of renewable energy to meet the target of 40 per cent of electricity in Scotland to come from renewable sources by 2020.

Communities Minister Malcolm Chisholm said: "Micro-renewables, like solar power and wind turbines and biomass, offer potential for a range of residential, commercial and leisure developments.

"For new developments, we propose that a minimum of ten per cent of their energy needs are met by on-site renewables. Scotland is the first country in the UK to propose such a requirement."

Reduction in energy consumption within workplaces can be encouraged by an office refit along with office building design.

Outside new office buildings in Scotland the sight of mini-turbines and solar panels are, therefore, due to become commonplace.

James McInnes, who lives below a turbine, described how fears of any distractions they cause are unfounded.

He said: "I don't hear it and it's right outside my window. I think it's a good thing, particularly if it reduces the bills.

"We should adopt more of these things, especially if it reduces climate change."