WS Atkins has built a reputation for its expertise in sustainability and low energy design. This began with Housing Association clients seeking to reduce energy costs as an integral part of the brief, but these skills now being used by a wide cross-section of clients.

• A pilot scheme for Gwalia Housing Association of 12 low-energy, single storey houses for the elderly in Clase, Swansea led to further similar work on an adjacent site for 60 dwellings - including family units.
  
• At Penweddig, Aberystwyth a PFI recent school project featured passive stack ventilation ³chimneys² and solar shading to the main teaching spaces.
  
• Further work has included a phased development of 75 low-energy flats and homes at Gorseinon, utilising European ³Thermie² grants for the provision of solar panels.
  
• A scheme for Beazer Partnerships in Gabalfa, Cardiff features timber-framed dwellings with a high degree of thermal insulation and a specially-developed sustainable specification.
  
• At the design stage are a cable manufacturing plant and a further large school incorporating natural ventilation, solar shading and other low energy measures.

Expertise is available under the BRECSU Design Advice scheme, providing guidance on sustainability and low energy concepts at an early stage of design development to both clients and designers.

Brian Miles
WS Atkins
www.wsatkins.com

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