Senedd tops poll of green government buildings on Green Britain Day
The National Assembly for Wales’ landmark building in Cardiff Bay has been named the greenest government building in the UK, according to unique ‘IRT Energy’ software, displaying greener credentials than both England and Scotland.
The announcement coincides with Green Britain Day (July 10th) and demonstrates that the iconic building is fulfilling its aim to be an exemplar of environmental sustainability.
The IRT Energy software is able to calculate the amount of energy being lost and pollution being emitted through roofs and windows. The software is able to provide a level of analysis not possible until now.
“The remit for the Senedd building was always that it should be a very environmentally sustainable building, and this award from IRT Energy shows that we have achieved that, not only in the UK, but compared to Government/Legislature buildings in Germany as well,” said
National Assembly Commissioner for Sustainability, Lorraine Barrett AM.
“I meet many hundreds of visitors every month who love the building but are also very impressed with our environmental credentials. The Senedd is an iconic building for Wales and it is also an environmentally iconic building too. I hope this sets the standard for all public buildings in Wales and the UK.”
The Senedd was built to the highest environmental specification (BREEAM Excellence) and the National Assembly is continuing to work with partner organisations like the Carbon Trust to ensure that the building achieves its maximum potential as an environmental exemplar.
Like the rest of the Cardiff Bay estate, the Senedd benefits from accreditation to Level 5 of the Green Dragon Environmental Management System.
The National Assembly closely monitors energy use in the Senedd and is planning an energy efficiency programme that should further improve environmental performance and enhance the green credentials of one of Wales’ flagship buildings.