Wetherspoons plans 'green pubs'

Pub chain Wetherspoons is planning its first "green pub". The innovative scheme in Leicestershire is being designed and project managed by RJD Architectural Design and Project Management. The QS is Fletcher McNeill.

The £1.3m new build is to be the first of a series of green pubs by Wetherspoons. Some of the sustainable features will also be rolled out to existing establishments.

The super-sustainable building in Melton will go far beyond the requirements of the new part L regulations, said Marc Wetherill, architect at RJD.

It will feature a 16-litre cylindrical high wind turbine, which will generate energy for the pub, and camouflaged solar water heating panels on the roof. Rainwater will be collected to help flush the toilets and water pipes will be buried in the ground to reduce the energy needed to heat water from the main supply.

The pub will also be heavily insulated and its lights will be activated by movement in the room.

The scheme on Wilton Road is now at the detailed design stage. The pub has been approved by the local council in principal and the site has been granted a licence to sell alcohol. The design was submitted for planning approval last week and Wetherspoons hopes to open the pub in July 2007.