Current Projects
Regional Biomass Mapping Project
We have just completed (Feb 2008) a Regional Biomass Mapping Project on behalf of Natural England to establish the current extent and future potential for biomass throughout the East Midlands. Biomass, from specially grown energy crops or harvested timber, is a renewable fuel source that can be used for heat and electricity generation. The potential for biomass is significant, offering a locally sourced renewable fuel that is already cheaper than oil or gas and if fuel prices continue to rise will become increasingly attractive to many consumers.
Read full report – Biomass Active Demand Mapping Project
Biomass District Heating System
We are currently negotiating a lengthy planning consultation for a client in Lincolnshire who wishes to develop twelve low carbon off-grid homes heated by a Biomass district heating system. The district heating system will fuelled by biomass grown on the surrounding farmland and as such the land owner will become the power supplier. Whilst significant support for the project has been obtained, due to the pioneering nature of the project, which requires a ‘rewriting of the planning rule book’ so to speak, many issues must be addressed. We are however confident of success and believe that this flagship development will inspire similar sustainable developments and lead to a recognition amongst planners of the benefits of innovative approaches to providing homes for the future.
Live/Work Units
The SRM planning team have and are currently working on a number of developments that include Live/Work units. This style of development is becoming increasingly popular with advances in communication technology making working from home much more accessible. The benefits of this in terms of reducing travel costs and indeed your carbon footprint are substantial and with rising fuel prices and awareness about the impacts of travel we believe we will see continued growth in this style of development.
EPIC Project
Ian Walter, Senior Consultant at SRM is chairman of the group delivering The EPIC Project, the largest green conference centre in the UK currently being built at Lincolnshire Showground. The EPIC building is set to become a national centre of environmental innovation that explores low carbon technologies and responses to global warming.
See the EPIC website www.epic-project.org for more information on the project.