One of Northern Ireland's most sustainable buildings is opening its doors following a complete eco-makeover.
Castle Espie, located on the shores of Strangford Lough in County Down, has installed a number of renewable energy technologies with support from Northern Ireland Electricity's (NIE’s) Smart Programme.
Castle Espie has installed solar water-heating panels on the roof of the recently opened Visitor Centre, as well as a 5kW wind turbine and a 180kW wood pellet boiler, making it one of the most sustainable buildings in Northern Ireland.
James Orr, Castle Espie Manager, said the new technologies will enhance the Centre’s green credentials: “When we embarked on the essential redevelopment work at Castle Espie, we wanted to make the new building as sustainable as possible.
“The wind turbine will generate around 8,500 units of electricity every year, a potential saving of around £1,000 on our energy bills. The solar water-heating panels will provide around 50 percent of our hot water needs and the wood pellet boiler will heat both the Visitor Centre and the Lime Kiln, which will open later this summer.
“Best of all, they will all use the natural resources in abundance here in County Down.”
As well as the renewable energy technologies, the new Centre at Castle Espie has included composting toilets, rainwater recycling and a partial green roof in its sustainable design.
Gwyneth Compston of NIE Energy added: “We are delighted that Castle Espie is making use of a range of renewable energy technologies in their energy mix.
“NIE hopes that the very visible wind turbine and solar water-heating panels will encourage everyone who visits the centre to think about their own energy usage, and how renewable energy can play a valuable role in safeguarding our natural environment.”
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