NATIONAL ENERGY FOUNDATION
News Release

Nick Raynsford MP opens National Energy Foundation's new low energy HQ

Nick Raynsford, the Minister for Housing and Construction, recently planted a tree to mark the opening of the National Energy Centre in Milton Keynes. This low energy office building, which serves as the National Energy Foundation's headquarters, was designed to show that it is possible to design an attractive and durable low energy building at no cost premium.

Nick Raynsford, MP, is seen planting a tree at the entrance to the new National Energy Centre building. He is accompanied by representatives of the National Energy Foundation, English Partnerships and Milton Keynes Council. The Centre, which was designed by Weston Williamson, architects, is expected to use 40% less energy than a typical modern office building.

"I am delighted to be able to see the National Energy Centre at first hand," Mr Raynsford told those present, "as I first became aware of the plans for the building almost ten years ago. In that period, as the dangers of Climate Change have become more apparent, the need buildings to waste less energy has grown. The National Energy Centre will not only be a clear demonstration that low energy buildings can be achievable on a strict budget, but the projects carried out in the Centre will make it a focal point for saving energy."

This was echoed by Paula Hay-Plumb of English Partnerships, who funded the building's construction. "When we agreed that the National Energy Centre should be built in Milton Keynes," she said, "we did so in the knowledge that the new city is already seen an exemplary for its large numbers of low energy homes, offices and factories. This Centre, located at the heart of the Energy Park, is proof of our continuing commitment to keep the city at the forefront of energy saving initiatives."

Professor John Chesshire, Chairman of the Foundation added, "We are delighted to be located permanently in an area where there have been so many low-energy initiatives over the past two decades. We intend the National Energy Foundation and its subsidiary company, National Energy Services, to use the new building as a base from which to encourage the rest of the UK to take up some of the innovations that have been successfully tested in Milton Keynes. For example, English Partnerships are now requiring a city-wide housing energy standard of NHER 10 on all new developments: this is significantly better than for normal new homes, which will mean residents have warmer homes that cost little to heat as well as protecting the environment."

Please follow this link for more information on the National Energy Centre building.

For more information about the National Energy Foundation or the National Energy Centre building, please call Ian Byrne on 01908 665555.

12 July 2000

The National Energy Foundation: Registered in England - Charity No. 298951