WHAT'S NEW

The first industrial facility in Cornwall to be awarded a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating has been announced as Watson-Marlow Pumps Group’s new manufacturing facility in Falmouth.

The £7.3 million Watson-Marlow silicone tubing plant has been praised for its energy efficiency and preservation of the surrounding natural landscape. Environmental features at the facility include high levels of insulation, rainwater recovery and air locks to all external doors, to minimise heat loss and keep the atmosphere clean.

The building has been ‘sunk’ into the slope of the land to minimise visual impact, and 75% of the topsoil and spoil from the excavation was reused. More than 4,000 plants have been used in landscaping, including 23 oak trees. In line with current BREEAM guidelines, the facility’s environmental impact was assessed at both design stage and following construction.

According to statistics from BRE, there have been 15 industrial certifications in Cornwall, and Watson-Marlow's Falmouth plant is currently the only BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) building to be rated as ‘Excellent’.

Watson-Marlow, the largest manufacturer of tube and hose pumps in the world, with its international operations based in Falmouth, drew on all-important external support to achieve its sustainable vision. For construction of the new facility, it received investment of £769,000 from the ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) Convergence and £256,000 from the South West RDA.

Christopher Gadsden, Managing Director of Watson-Marlow Pumps Group, commented: “We have put a great deal of investment into our new building and we are delighted to have achieved the ‘Excellent’ rating from BREEAM. Although this is a manufacturing facility, we have still made every effort we can to deliver a building that is both sustainable and fit for purpose.”

The BREEAM influence on the design of Watson-Marlow’s new building has helped to ensure that it has very high levels of insulation, makes best use of natural daylight and has rainwater harvesting for both the new building and the existing plant. Such measures will help to ensure that the cost of running the building – and its impact on the environment are minimised.