Work on the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry's new environmentally friendly headquarters is reported to be progressing on schedule.
The Department’s plan to centralise its six divisions into a single building outside Douglas, relocating its 70 staff in the process, is on target for the end of March 2010.
The new Headquarters, to be named Thie Slieau Whallian, will be one of the first office eco-developments on the Island and will act as a pioneer for energy efficiency and sustainability in line with the environmental policies of government.
It has been designed to be as environmentally friendly as is economically possible, maximising the use of natural light and natural ventilation and engineering out major energy consuming plant and equipment.
The building has been designed to be as carbon neutral as possible and will incorporate a Sedum roof which is designed to filter out CO2 and pollutants.
The building will be heated using a woodchip-fuelled boiler through a new district heating system, which will also provide heat to the existing office accommodation, the Sawmill buildings and a newly-constructed workshop and stores building on the site.
The woodchip boiler is incorporated within a containerised unit and is the first of a number planned for public buildings around the Island.
The chippings for these projects will be produced by the Department’s Sawmill from timber harvested from the Department’s sustainable plantations, and will be stored within a unit also currently under construction on the St John’s site.
Other projects are the provision of laboratory facilities within an existing building on the site; the construction of a Workshop and Stores building, replacing dilapidated buildings which were beyond economic refurbishment; and the provision of a Hygiene Unit for washing down protective clothing and equipment.
The Headquarters is currently being favourably assessed by BREEAM, the Building Research Environmental Assessment Method, which is an industry recognised standard for measuring the environmental impact and performance of a building throughout its life.
Minister for the Department, Phil Gawne, MHK said, "I’m delighted with the developments and improvements which are taking place on the St John’s site. As well as providing a fantastic location for the Department’s staff to work, the new HQ is leading the way in terms of eco-friendly buildings.
"Additionally, the relocation of the Department’s staff, together with the improvements to the Saw Mill operation will bring economic benefit to a part of the Island outside Douglas.
"The delivery of the project has been remarkable with the entire scheme being completed in a little over two and a half years from appointment of the first members of the design team."
