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Environmental
Cooper8 have been involved in a number of sustainable and energy efficient building projects with architects and consulting engineers who are leading the field in energy conservation and eco-friendliness.
Cooper8 have worked with companies such as:
• Feilden Clegg Bradley
• Cowper Griffith
• Thomas Ford
• Max Fordham
• Leeds Environmental Design Associates
• Van Der Steen Hall
• Martin Thomas Associates
All known for their holistic design strategies and energy efficient buildings with low carbon footprints.
The Cooper8 environmental ethos influences our designs and specification to benefit both the client and the environment.
Materials
When choosing materials consideration is given to their "embodied energy" which takes into account all the energy used to extract, manufacture and transport and whether materials can be sourced naturally or locally.
Where natural timbers can be used they are specified as Forestry Stewardship Council where their source can be guaranteed.
The use of natural paints with organic oils and plant based resins and dyes and floor finishes are always considered.
Equipment
Equipment and product manufacturers are increasingly focusing on providing energy efficient equipment and there are many advances being made in these areas.
To give an indication of two such advancements:
• Adande refrigeration have an award winning system that can save 40% energy on conventional refrigeration storage.
• Induction cooking has been under development for sometime but not combined with an oven facility underneath.We are currently working with and assisting a multi-national company that is developing an energy efficient Induction Range.
Renewable Energy
Cooper8 have worked on projects that have employed:
• Photovoltaic solar panels
• Battery operation with inverters
• Bio-diesel generators
• Wind turbines
• Bio-mass
Heat Recovery
Cooper8 have worked on projects that have employed:
• Heat recovery through ventilation systems and ecology units
• Air to water heat exchange from remote condensing units
Waste Management and Recycling
Provision of adequate waste storage and recycling areas are an integral part of the design process. Catering facilities require some form of grease interceptor and or biological dosing to comply with regulations.
Lighting
The use of energy efficient lighting can provide savings and pay for itself over a surprisingly short period of time. Calculations and data can be provided to justify this positive investment. There have been encouraging advancements in a variety of lamps including Metal Halide, Compact Fluorescent and more recently LED lighting.
Care is taken to specify equipment that is manufactured with CFC free insulations, the latest environmental refrigerants and where appropriate the energy efficient Hydrocarbon refrigerant. Remote location of condensing units can be cost saving in energy terms and allow opportunities for heat reclamation as employed at The National Trust Trelissick Garden.