Wolseley UK has unveiled plans to develop the Sustainable Building Center (SBC) - a national showcase for sustainable building products and construction methods.

The 6,800 sq ft, £2.9m SBC is the first of its kind, and will be a living, breathing and interactive centre for all involved in construction, from specifiers through to jobbing builders.

With detailed planning consent already secured, completion of the SBC is expected in late 2007.

SBC visitors will be able to experience the latest technologies and the widest range of real-world sustainable, energy-efficient and recycled building products. For the first time it will bring together all the products that are available now, or imminently, across all of Wolseley UK's brands nationwide.

The SBC is expected to attract great interest, especially in its early stages, from larger public sector clients, and civil engineering and house building companies engaged in major building programmes. Consideration is also being given to make the Center's services available to smaller customers - including individual ‘self-builders’.

It will display a wide range of different types of product, with many in their working environment to provide visitors with hard data on the quantifiable benefits of the latest materials and construction methods. For example, renewable energy generators, such as solar panels and mini wind turbines, will be installed with a display to show the amount of power they are generating.

Wolseley UK's specially trained staff will be on hand to provide visitors with up-to-the-minute information, data and guidance on the most appropriate materials for specific projects, from single homes through to large-scale commercial developments.

The two-storey building will also have a first-class training and presentation theatre and café facilities. These will be used for events, launches and demonstrations, to engage with a range of people from all sectors of the construction industry.

Wolseley SBC general manager Tim Pollard said: “Buildings account for 50 per cent of the UK's CO2 emissions and the construction industry must contribute to a more sustainable future.

“Wolseley UK is committed to helping the industry reduce the environmental footprint left by developers and occupiers alike. That is why we have long been an advocate of sustainable building products and construction methods, working with leading architects, developers and contractors to encourage the specification and use of energy-efficient materials in all types of buildings.

“This major initiative will provide a new focus for our role in the promotion of sustainable design and construction, one which we have been perfectly placed to lead to date as the UK's largest distributor of building materials. It will also provide a vehicle for impartial advice, which research indicates our customers need, and ultimately foster an acceptance of sustainable products and approaches at every level.”

The SBC's galleries will include the following types of products: photovoltaics; micro wind; sedum roof; e-glazing; natural lighting; natural insulation; green floor coverings; mini Combined Heat and Power (CHP); rainwater harvesting; biomass; ground source heat pump; engineered timber; low energy lighting; water saving devices; solar thermal; and sustainable drainage.

Wolseley Sustainable Building Center