Torry's newest ecological building officially opens

EXT01 – A17

Torry's newest office building, a trend setter in ecological design and operation, was officially opened today (Monday 10 May) by Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) will share the new premises at Inverdee House which was delivered on time and within a budget of £12.5 million. The project, coordinated by SEPA, is a joint initiative between the agency and Grampian Housing Association (GHA). The project is part of a wider regeneration of the local area and also sees the creation of residential housing.  

The name Inverdee was chosen as a simple reminder that three environment organisations have come together, at the mouth of the Dee, in one building.

SEPA's Chairman, David Sigsworth, said:

"For me, Inverdee House is more than just a building. It is a statement about the environment, about the community and about the future. Everyone who has been involved in this project is extremely proud of all that has been achieved here, and especially of Inverdee House's green credentials.

"Built on a brownfield site, Inverdee House provides state-of-the-art facilities while achieving excellent standards of energy efficiency and environmental performance. It will generate its own energy from wind and solar power and is heated by a low carbon biomass boiler. Harvesting rainwater and recycling waste water provides around 60% of its total water use. It is naturally ventilated, and wherever possible naturally lit. It is also home to native plant species to encourage biodiversity.                                                                                                                             

"It is now the base for three of Scotland's key environmental agencies, fostering closer working relationships and sharing common services. It is an asset to all three organisations, as well as to the local community."

Peter Bridgewater, Chair of JNCC, said:

"This is a really great moment for all three organisations. The surrounds make for an excellent advertisement of what can be done with sensitive building design – but it's inside where two Scottish Agencies and a UK one will be able to work together - creating better environmental outcomes for Scotland, UK and Europe. The work to be undertaken under the building's roof covers environmental issues from the mountains to under the sea, from biodiversity to mitigating pollution, and we will all benefit from these better working conditions." 

SNH's Chief Executive, Ian Jardine, said:

"The move to Inverdee House brings to an end 32 years at Rubislaw Terrace for SNH and its predecessors. We leave a lot of memories. My first job in SNH was there and I'll miss it. But Inverdee House is a building more in line with our wish to promote sustainable development, energy efficiency, and environmentally friendly buildings. Working in the same building as SEPA and the JNCC also gives us the chance to work more efficiently and to achieve benefits from joint working. This will save money and deliver a better service."

Among the many attendees at the opening will be pupils from Scotstown Primary in Bridge of Don, who produced the winning multimedia animation in a competition run by SEPA to help raise awareness of flooding and the impact it can have on people's lives. Their animation will be shown at the opening, and across Scotland at SEPA events to help raise flood awareness.

Ends

Notes to editor

This media briefing is designed to provide further information on the official opening of Inverdee House. You can read the Scottish Government's media release, including a quote from Richard Lochhead, at www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2010/05/10122519 

Photographs

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead; SNH Chief Executive Ian Jardine; JNCC Chairman Peter Bridgewater; and SEPA Chairman David Sigsworth outside Inverdee House.

Richard Lochhead and SEPA Chairman David Sigsworth at the official opening of Inverdee House.

More photographs of the launch are available. Please contact SEPA's media team on 01786 452546 or via publicrelations@sepa.org.uk

Inverdee House

  • Inverdee House is only the second building in Aberdeen to achieve an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) A.
  • It is the fifth building in Aberdeen to gain a BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) Excellent rating.
  • Further information on Inverdee House can be found at www.inverdeehouse.org.uk

JNCC

  • The Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) is the statutory adviser to the UK Government and devolved administrations on UK and international nature conservation. Its work contributes to maintaining and enriching biological diversity, conserving geological features and sustaining natural systems.

SNH

  • Scottish Natural Heritage is the Government's advisor on all aspects of nature and landscape across Scotland.  Its role is to help everyone understand value and enjoy Scotland's nature now and in the future.