The management team at ACC Liverpool is committed to being an environmentally aware and socially responsible employer. The "four Green Rs" will be followed wherever possible: Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle. They are committed to reducing overheads and running costs, cutting waste, and encouraging both staff and visitors to "think green" whenever feasible and practicable.
Rain falling on the vast impressive roof space will be collected and used in utility blocks around the building, reducing the water needs of the Arena and Convention Centre by 7.5% ACC Liverpool will produce half of the emissions that would have been generated without all the measures implemented and will be cutting electricity needs by at least a fifth.
Planning officers are currently carefully studying details of proposals for five vertical wind turbines (6kW each) close to a terrace near to the Mersey river wall at Kings Dock. The proposed turbines have been specially designed to be virtually noiseless to ensure there is no disturbance to events and concerts at the showpiece Arena. The £300,000 turbines have been designed by energy experts to provide 10% of the energy needs of the facility. The blades have been designed to be much smaller than those found on traditional wind farms.
The £146m Kings Waterfront venue, currently under construction and on schedule, is due for completion in January 2008. The impressive architectural design provides a Conference Centre and Arena linked together in two separate but complementary buildings, with extra exhibition space in a multi-purpose hall, so the venue can offer a level of unique flexibility to Event and Exhibition Organisers.
The Conference Centre features a 1,350 purpose-built auditorium, 18 breakout rooms with capacities ranging from 30 to 500, and up to 7,000sq.m of serviced exhibition space. The Arena will host a range of events including larger conferences with delegate numbers ranging from 2000 up to concerts for 10,000.
Bob Prattey, CEO of ACC Liverpool said: "These wind turbines have been selected after a considerable search for their sculptural qualities and their low noise output." They are part of the sustainability measures of the site that also include collecting rainwater for use in the toilet blocks, natural ventilation and a main power plant that has been specially designed for it efficiency. The power plant is 40% more efficient than conventional equipment making the most of heat recovery systems to cut fuel bills."
Alan Davidson, Head of Business Sales at ScottishPower said: "ScottishPower really is flying the flag when it comes to supporting investment in future energy sources. This is a great opportunity to supply renewable energy to this spectacular new development."
"We are proud to be associated with the Arena and Convention Centre Liverpool and delighted that they are committed to using 'green' energy for all their power needs to 2009, and hopefully beyond."
"This world-class centre is sure to set new standards as an event venue and one of those standards is in ensuring it has the minimum impact on the environment."
(Lee Baldock)
