Go 'green' with new stadium says town's MP
January 9, 2007 12:00 AM
Following his criticism of Colchester Borough Council for failing to include environmental features such as solar energy panels in the new Visual Arts building now under construction, town MP Bob Russell today urged the Council not to make the same mistake with the new Community Stadium on which work has yet to start.
Mr Russell - who two years ago was nominated as Parliamentary Environment Champion - said that it was not good enough for the Council to make public pledges in support of "green" policies and then fail to deliver when it had the power to do so.
"With the costly Visual Arts Facility, Colchester Council stands accused of failing to acknowledge the consequences of climate change and soaring energy bills by approving a building which does not have a single energy producing feature.
"I am therefore calling on the Council to ensure that energy producing elements, such as solar panels to generate electricity and water tanks to collect rain water to be used for flushing toilets, are incorporated in the design and construction of the Community Stadium."
He added: "The Council must lead by example. New public buildings should use the technology available in the 21st century, not continue with the energy wasteful attitudes of the 20th century."
Liberal Democrat Mr Russell pointed out that it would be much more expensive to install tanks to collect rainwater, and the associated pipework, at a later date.
"It makes sense to do this as part of the construction. Rain water collected in this way, which is what is happening with a new building at the Sixth Form College, can be used to flush toilets rather than use clean water from the mains."
The town's MP revealed that he would also be urging the Council to install small wind generators. "Every bit of energy produced helps reduce energy bills, which are bound to soar as a result of climate change."
He added: "It would be great if the Colchester Community Stadium became the first in the country to have solar panels, wind turbines and grey water collection as major features - something of which the Council could rightly be proud. After all, actions speak louder than words."
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