Britain's first carbon-neutral village hall in Randwick is 'outstanding' success (From Stroud News and Journal)

Britain's first carbon-neutral village hall in Randwick is 'outstanding' success

3:00pm Wednesday 3rd February 2010 in News By David Wiles

BRITAIN’S first carbon-neutral village hall in Randwick has already been a huge success after being renovated just over a year ago.

Renewable technology installed at the building in Chapel Fields has cut fuel bills by more than 60 per cent and produced surplus funds to improve the facility.

Alan Tomlinson, of the Randwick Village Hall and Playing Field Committee, said: "Our energy efficiency project has been an outstanding success.

"This is an excellent example of how modern microgeneration technologies can improve quality of life, reduce operating costs and help save the planet."

He said the renewable technology, as well as increased bookings, had already funded a new toilet block and would allow villagers to re-fit the kitchen in summer.

The £69,000 renovation by Tetbury-based renewable energy supplier Ecovision was completed in September 2008.

Heating and hot water are generated from a ground source heat pump, which extracts energy from the earth using a pipe buried below the playing field.

Electricity to power the pump and lights is generated from sunlight using photovoltaic cells on the roof.

Annual electricity costs have dropped from £1,222 in 2007 to £409 in 2009.

The electricity meter at the hall recently been converted to allow villagers can generate income by exporting power to the national grid.