Skelton Grange Environment Centre

Another BTCV set-​up with an emphasis on education. The Skelton Grange Centre is designed as an education centre for children of all ages encompassing relevant areas of the curriculum and providing activities that enhance the learning experience and get children outside. Like its counterpart the centre works with volunteers as well as community groups and schools developing training sessions, playschemes and practical activities days all with sustainable development in mind. The building itself is a wonderful example of good planning. There is under floor heating (the most efficient way to heat a space), toilets are flushed using rainwater (not water that is suitable for drinking as is used in most buildings in the UK), extensive insulation keeps heat in whilst floor to ceiling windows allow for natural light to be let in as well as serving heating needs too. The full-​life cycle of the building materials were researched so that even when the building comes to the end of its life most bits can be recycled. What a brilliant place to learn how we can develop in a more environmentally friendly way.