Co-op supermarket to use solar PV and renewable energy

Posted by Robert Shields

Sustainable construction products and photovoltaic (PV) solar panels have played a key role in the £4.5 million renewable energy regeneration of a supermarket in Leicestershire.

The Co-op store in Oakham has been fitted with eco construction products, including a ZinCo roof from Alumsac, which will provide sustainable construction solutions such as rainwater harvesting.

A number of PV solar panels have also been installed to provide renewable energy to the building and create a solar thermal heating system for hot water.

The Co-operative explained that the new, eco-friendly building has replaced a previous supermarket on the site, destroyed by fire in July 2008.

It added: ''The new building incorporates a range of energy saving features including the ZinCo green roof which is planted with local species to create a wildlife habitat.''

Meanwhile, a sustainable construction project in China will soon create the world''s most environmentally-friendly building, the Wuhan Energy Flower, which will benefit from wind turbines and PV solar panels.