Credits are awarded for measures that address environmental issues including energy and water use, materials impact, public transport proximity and waste with a maximum score of 100.

The excellent rating requires a score of 70%. This is very hard to achieve.

We are on target to be the first Temple in the UK, possibly the world, to achieve BREEAM excellence score.

Recycling of materials

Utilisation of new technology

Sustainability

Power generation

Use of modern materials and design principles

Other Features

Material from the demolished structures was segregated and recycled, concrete was crushed on site and used as hardcore.

All iron reinforcing bars and steelwork was salvaged and sent for re-smelting to be recycled.

Timber was sent to salvage yards for re-use.

All inert excavated material was transported to other projects for making up ground levels.

Aggregates for concrete for new works maximised the use of recycled crushed concrete material. Concrete for floors and walls incorporated GGBS slag (Ground Granulated Blast-furnace Slag) which otherwise would have ended up in landfill.

All wood was sourced from suppliers with FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) accreditations which means the timber would not be harming the world’s forests.

All other material was preferentially chosen from a green perspective.

Rainwater is harvested (collected in under ground tanks) and reused for gardening and flushing WCs which reduces the water consumption.

The buildings make use of high insulate value materials (low u-values, with around 30% improvement over Building Regulations). This has the benefit of reduced heat loss in winter and lower solar gain insummer leading to reduced CO2 emissions.

The design ensures very low air leakage, reducing heat loss and reducing CO2 emissions. There is significant use of natural ventilation and daylight to minimise electricity consumption whilst providing comfortable conditions for the building users.

The MFH (Multi Function Hall) and the retained office building incorporates green roofs. This reduces rain water run off and promotes ecology.

By using recast stone, sourced from UK suppliers in the main body of Temple walls has resulted in significant reduction the carbon footprint.

Ordinarily had the stone been imported from India we would have had to import in excess of 300 container loads. In addition thin walled GRC (Glass Reinforced Concrete) composite elements used in all the external columns, jarookhas and other intrinsic carvings resulted in 75% fewer container loads from India.

During warm periods forced natural ventilation principles come into play to eliminate the need to use refrigerant cooling. The BMS (Building Management System) automatically opens windows both in the Temple and MFH (Multi Function Hall) and at the same time starts forced draught fans to introduce fresh air at low levels.

To supplement this during very hot periods the BMS calculates the optimum time during the night to open and close the windows to reduce the thermal energy in the structure of the building.

Water supply systems use flow reduction fittings, to reduce water consumption within the building. The BMS monitors water consumption and isolates common supply points if water is not used to reduce any potential leakage.

A CHP (Combined Heat and Power) plant is installed to generate
25kW of electricity and provides the base load for heating. The plant is 90% efficient in converting energy in gas to electricity. The remaining 10% is heat, a by product of the production process and this is utilised for heating and hot water needs.

Solar energy is harnessed using photovoltaic panels mounted on the MFH roof covering 200sqm producing electricity up to 33kWp which is used or fed back to the grid.

Water and power usage during construction was constantly monitored to ensure minimum wastage.

The lighting in the common areas is controlled by motion sensors. Everyone is encouraged to minimise the use of energy in particular to turn off lights when leaving.

Uility measurements are connected to the BMS and will be linked to the information screens showing live and historical energy usage.

A very high specification for the general environment has been applied at the outset; industry standards for acoustics have been exceeded, design is based on low solar gain, cold potable drinking wateris available to the public and car charging points adds to the sustainability of the facility.

The ecology of the site is improved by introducing green roofs and soft landscaping both which encourage native flora and fauna to flourish.

The overall site management and education of the users will encourage more people to use public transportation, more use of cycles and greater car sharing.