Maidstone Innovation Centre (MIC) has planted a stunning ‘living wall’ as part of Great Big Green Week (18-26 September) which is one of the building’s green features and includes more than 10,000 plants.
Covering 90.5m2, the wall will help to reduce the carbon footprint of the building by keeping it cooler in summer and warmer in winter. It will also act as a natural sound insulator, and oxygen released by the plants will assist with air purification. A stunning focal point, the wall incorporates a range of species indigenous to the local area, which will bloom all year round, attracting bees and butterflies.
Maidstone Borough Council Leader, Cllr David Burton comments: “Great Big Green Week is all about celebrating action on climate change and we’re delighted to share how the Council is doing its bit with this build.
“A green approach was a vital part of the design of the Maidstone Innovation Centre. It’s fantastic to see how all these elements have come together. It means tenants can expect not only a high spec building using efficient, eco-friendly technology but also a more pleasant working environment. We look forward to welcoming them to the centre when it opens later this year.”
The living wall is just one of many sustainable features of the MIC, which offers flexible office space to life science, healthcare and medical sectors, and is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund 2014-2020.
Maidstone business, The Little Green Energy Company, which supplies and installs the industry’s most advanced solar power technology, SunPower, was chosen to fit solar panels on the roof of the building, providing cleaner, more efficient energy.
Simon Dudson, CEO of The Little Green Energy Company says: “We are thrilled to be working with the MIC on this exciting project. Solar energy is a powerful tool and to see businesses harnessing this energy and using it to power further sustainable projects makes it even brighter.”
Charging pods have also been installed for eight cars with capacity for a further three pods.
Environmental impact was also a key concern during construction. Contractors Rydon reported that 98% of waste was reused or recycled offsite and applied Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) processes, which ensures best practice for the environmental performance of buildings. As such, the MIC is on track to score a BREEAM rating of ‘very good’, putting it among the top 25% of buildings in the country.
To find out more about the Maidstone Innovation Centre or enquire about leasing office space visit www.maidstoneinnovationcentre.co.uk