January 10, 2014 12.41 pm This story is over 121 months old

New Lincolnshire offices are greenest in the UK

Green business: A new business development in Lincolnshire has proved the mosts sustainable of its kind in the UK with its below-zero carbon footprint.

A new business development in Lincolnshire has proved the most sustainable of its kind in the UK with a below-zero carbon footprint.

The Canebuzo development (short for Carbon Neutral Business Zone) offers individual business units to small firms on flexible leasehold terms.

Completed by Lincolnshire County Council and a private partner, the green units boast an A+ energy performance rating, with low to no energy costs for occupiers.

The units have been designed to retain heat and use the latest technology to preserve natural resources and generate energy from natural sources.

The buildings have been constructed out of energy-absorbing concrete blocks, which have been super-insulated on the outside then covered with earth.

The site comprises of 5 units measuring 775 sq ft and 2 units measuring 1405 sq ft.

The units are in South Lincolnshire, on Gedney Road in Long Sutton. The location has easy access to the A17, Holbeach, Spalding and Wisbech.

The typical 775 sq ft unit layout, which is given in detail in the Canebuzo brochure, consists of reception area, offices, toilet facilities, small kitchen, car park spaces and disabled access.

Property Specifications for a typical unit. Image: LCC

Property Specifications for a typical unit. Image: LCC

Costing is based at £96 per m2 (£9 psf). The 775 sq ft (72m2) units are priced at £6,975 per annum and the 1405 sq ft (130.6 m2) units cost £12,645 per annum. Maintenance charge, service charge and VAT are also payable.

There are currently still units available for occupation.

Each unit acts like a giant storage heater absorbing all forms of heat generated in the building, plus solar energy, storing it in the building mass and then releasing it when outside temperatures drop.

The Canebuzo project maps a carbon neutral zone of six offices. Designs: SEArch Architects

The Canebuzo project maps a carbon neutral zone of six offices. Designs: SEArch Architects

Councillor Colin Davie, Executive Member for Economic Development, said: “There is a real need for small business accommodation in this area. That’s why the County Council has lent its support to this venture.

“And in terms of sustainable development, this project really is leading the way at a national level, showing people around the country just what this new technology can achieve.

“The units have been designed to be as green as possible, which is not only good for the environment, but good for businesses.

“The occupiers will be able to enjoy a comfortable climate inside with little or no additional heating, and a large proportion of the power they use will be generated on site.

“That means their energy bills will be next to nothing. These are business units that make business sense.”

You can take a virtual tour of the Canebuzo site and office designs here.