A group of Level 1 Construction students based at the Brunel - TopicsExpress

A group of Level 1 Construction students based at the Brunel Centre, who recently completed their electrical unit, went on a trip to the new South West Energy Centre, at White Rock in Paignton. The aim was to see renewable energies in action, introduce them to new technologies and hopefully develop an interest in reducing energy costs. The Centre has some excellent energy saving features in place and the students were introduced to: • computer-managed energy systems • biomass boiler • the Advanced Technologies Zone containing two houses and a dedicated Hybrid and Electric Vehicle area • A plant room which demonstrates low carbon and sustainable technology in action • Accessible roof space to demonstrate solar PV and solar thermal in action • A green sedum roof to encourage and support biodiversity and help manage draining and water consumption The students were then given a tour of the Passivhaus buildings next door. These buildings provide a high level of comfort while using very little energy for heating and cooling. They are built with meticulous attention to detail and rigorous design and construction according to principles developed by the Passivhaus Institute in Germany.