The Phoenix Centre, Sandwich Kent

The Phoenix Centre in Sandwich, Kent has taken over a sad and underused 1960's building and restored it to a showcase environmental building. A few examples of what has been done; Non-flushing urinals Rubber flooring internal doors made using recycled timer There is extensive further information on their website www.thephoenixcentre.org. Key to the need was a heating solution that had a minimal carbon footprint impact. Solutions such as biomass solutions and ground source heat pumps had been largely discarded because of cost implications. A visit to Ecobuild in February 2007 was made and where contact with EHS was established. EHS proposed one unit for the main room - 8*10 metres - and one unit for the entrance. It was deemed this may not be enough, so there was always the option of adding a second unit in the main room. The units were fitted in June 2007 and has now been in operation for a year. Observations: Very quiet, did not notice it running Not a dry heat Heats up the space very quickly Heating costs reduced by about 60% Units extremely efficient - no need for a second unit Support from Kent County Council Mr Phil Scott, Chair of the Phoenix Centre, and Mr Leyland Ridings, Chair of Kent County Council posing under underneath one of the Energy Saver Solutions. Mr Ridings contributed £ 1,000 to the cost of the units as this had the benefit of exposing young people to the benefit of rela life renewable technology.

Click here to enlarge the floor plan