Shopping centre plans green projects
SHOPPING centre chiefs are considering new green projects – including using rainwater to flush toilets.
Green-thinking bosses at the Middleton Grange centre, in Hartlepool, have come up with the plan as part of their long-term environmental thinking.
They are also looking at erecting solar panels as part of their commitment to a greener future.
And while both ideas may be a long way from becoming reality, they are an indication of the centre's thinking on how to protect the environment.
Centre manager Mark Rycraft said Middleton Grange was committed to the cause and added: "We want to look at 100 per cent recycling of all waste."
But he said reducing waste was not the only measure.
"There are some shopping centres that are using water reclamation to flush toilets and urinals. It is definitely possible but not without the roof space."
Mr Rycraft said the centre would have to look at where the tanks would be positioned to store the water. He added: "We have to look at how far away the tanks would be from where the water is going to be used. It is all about logistics and parameters, especially with Middleton Grange being a 40-year-old building." Other projects under consideration include trying to use solar energy and wind energy. "We are looking to reduce the amount of electricity we use," said Mr Rycraft.
But the cost involved would determine whether the projects became reality, he added.
"We have to think about the payback periods before we install them. We can not just install one solar panel or one wind turbine. We would have to install nine."
Even if they do become reality, it would be "way down the line," Mr Rycraft admitted.
Other projects include converting more of the centre's lighting systems to automatic timers and ensuring that Middleton Grange recycles all waste possible.
Mr Rycraft paid tribute to the centre's Earth Environmental Team, chaired by Aileen Brackstone, for their efforts which had already seen Middleton Grange pick up an award from Eco-Perspective for its environmental standards.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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