Providing loans with greener credentials

Mar 25 2008 by Sue Scott, Evening Gazette

THE Student Loans Company (SLC) is displaying its “green” credentials with a number of innovative environmentally friendly initiatives at its new Darlington complex.

The company is in the process of creating a bespoke, hi-tech office complex at Lingfield Point, where it will handle all aspects of student finance for the whole of England.

The building, known as Memphis, is a low energy, state-of-the-art modern office building, with a full-height glazed façade.

With more than 160sq metres of glass, natural light can flood into the striking loft-style office space.

The glass will be shaded with a specially commissioned Bris Soleil, to prevent glare.

Bris Soleil and other shading devices are a popular way of controlling solar glare and adding stylish features to a building.

Overhangs or louvres reduce the direct radiation from the sun falling on the glass.

A number of important environmentally aware features are being used in the development of the offices including:

Solar heated hot water utilising roof solar panels to supplement the normal water heating system;

Intelligent light management system using sensors to balance the natural daylight with the requirement for ambient lighting, and

Gas powered air-conditioning which will cost 50% less than using electricity.

Derek Ross, deputy chief executive of the Student Loans Company, said: “The choice of office space reflects our commitment to providing the best possible working environment for our staff.

“However, it is also very important that the development and running of our new offices takes into account best environmental practice. We are making use of green technologies wherever possible to reduce the impact of the development on the environment.

“We will also work closely with our staff to provide assistance that will enable them to reduce their carbon footprints and travel to work in the greenest possible way.”

Once the Student Loans Company moves into the new offices, it will be dedicated to the use of up-to-date technology to help eliminate unnecessary use of paper.

The company will also work closely with Darlington Council’s Local Motion campaign to issue personal travel plans to all its staff.

Showers and bike racks will be provided to encourage cycling to work and an emphasis will be put on the use of public transport and car sharing.

Several landmark buildings have already been regenerated at Lingfield Point and Memphis will be another example of the transformation of an old factory building into a vibrant, modern office space.

Memphis was originally the “balling department” of the Paton and Baldwins wool manufacturing plant, where the wool was wound at the end of the production process.

Up to 200 people would have worked in this area of the Lingfield Point site.