Sustainable Improvements to Connah's Quay Civic Hall

Assisted by a Town Improvement Grant from the Welsh Assembly Government, the brief was to improve the energy efficiency of the Civic Hall to the maximum level reasonably achievable, using sustainable materials, while improving the visual appeal of the building.

The Energy Performance Rating (EPC) was improved from an ‘F’ rating to a ‘C’ rating , reducing the building’s carbon emissions by over 63 tonnes of CO2 per year.

This was achieved by insulating the external envelope, including external insulation to solid walls, double glazing and overcladding the roof with composite panels. Internally there were efficiency improvements to building services, including insulating pipework, new efficient controls, PIR lighting to toilets and water saving taps & dual flush WCs.

Sustainable materials included natural wood-fibre external insulation (Diffutherm) made from waste softwood, lime/cement render (Baumit Bayosan) providing a weather proof but breathable finish and naturally durable FSC Scottish Larch cladding with no harmful preservatives or finishing treatments. The materials were chosen for their A+ or A rating in the BRE Green Guide to Specification.

Completed in July 2010, the project won a National Bronze Award in the 2011 Green Apple Awards for the Built Environment and Architectural Heritage. The scheme was also Commended in the Environment and Culture Category of the Action for Market Towns Awards 2011, Welsh Zone.