10:20am Saturday 29th November 2008
By Louise Robertson
The grand opening of New Malden’s flagship green store on Shannon Corner is expected to take place in January.
The old New Malden and Wimbledon B&Q stores have merged to create the new, environmentally-friendly superstore, creating more than 200 jobs in the process.
It is the most sustainable B&Q store to date, with recycled plastics in the toilets and low VOC paints throughout the building.
The 150,000sq ft plot is filled with sustainable features to reduce its carbon footprint, and it is a new model built over three floors to save valuable urban space.
A wind turbine, the largest integrated turbine on any UK building, will generate the store’s electricity while an under-floor geothermal system will provide heating.
Photovoltaic panels will convert solar energy into electricity and solar thermal water will provide heating for the toilets and coffee shop.
The store, still under construction, has been built with sustainable materials where possible - with FSC certified wood specified throughout.
The green theme even extends to the roof, where a natural roof will absorb carbon dioxide while protecting it from the weather.
General manager Mark Dove said: “We’ve got some very loyal customers around here and it’s a great area to trade. The store will be the first of its kind to trial all these green features under one roof.
“It will lower our costs in the long-term and give something back to the community. It will be a challenge too because of its size.”
Natural daylight will filter through sun pipes to minimise the use of artificial lighting and energy efficient lightbulbs will be used throughout.
Not even the toilets have escaped the green-fingered touch, as a rainwater harvesting system will provide their water as well as the garden centre’s irrigation.
The store will sell green items as well as using them throughout the building, to respond to the changing market.
“It’s important for us to practise what we preach as people become more aware of the environment,” Mr Dove said.
“I’ve worked here for 25 years and in that time I’ve noticed more and more people buying things like water saving devices or insulation products.
“People are becoming much more conscious and as bills get more expensive, anything people can do to keep costs down will get more popular. We have to meet the demand and are selling a huge range of green products.”
The store is due to open on January 29.
• For more environmental news, log on to greenguardian.co.uk
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/trade_directory/