Renewable Energy - Farming centre to use renewable energy

19/05/2008

A new agricultural centre in Yorkshire will make most of renewable energy sources, it has emerged.

Work is expected to start next month on the £5.1-million Regional Agricultural Centre at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate, reports the Farmer's Guardian.

The centre will feature the latest renewable energy technology, with a ground source heat pump providing heating for the building and a solar water heater on the roof supplying the domestic hot water needs.

Further energy efficiency will be achieved by a green sedum roof and the use of sheep's wool to provide extra insulation for the centre's offices.

Due to open in 11 months, the centre will promote locally-sourced food, provide a retail outlet for local farmers and host cookery demonstrations.

Heather Parry, deputy chief executive of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, told the publication: "Our vision is to be the focus for farming and the countryside in this region year-round, whether that is providing a venue for the launch of a new Yorkshire cheese [or] giving local producers a platform for their produce."

In its environmental policy statement, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society said it has a commitment to using renewable energy technologies to reduce its carbon footprint and also said regular maintenance in equipment such as boilers will help achieve efficiency.